Relevance of the theory of the emergence of the new "Transnational Cleavage"

This essay compares two distinct concepts of a cleavage line - transnational and periphery- centre. The research uses the comparative method. Both concepts will first be contrasted theoretically (comparison of differing theories) and later empirically (through differences in their manifestation into political parties). The results from the comparison of several theories suggest shared traits between both theories, but with a few key differences. Based on data from European political parties, the author of this thesis concludes, that these differences are a result of incorrectly defining the concept of transnational cleavage. Firstly, the cleavage is not yet entirely formed and secondly was not the main impulse for the rise of green parties, which is the main difference between both concepts. This forming cleavage has to be distinguished from a third concept, which is a periphery-centre cleavage on the European level. Author of this essay argues that the conflict within the European Union is a result of cross-cutting between two periphery-centre cleavages on different levels. First has a global reach (which is why it's wrongly labelled as transnational), while the second is only happening in Europe. The two cleavages are distinguished by contrasting centers, but the peripheral protest against these..