Work

Selective intersectionality: far-right populist Re-casting of social discontent in Europe’s green transition

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: European regions long reliant on fossil-intensive energy are undergoing change driven by the European Green Deal, yet the green transition remains uneven across regions. In Estonia’s Ida-Virumaa, one of Europe’s most carbon-intensive regions, the green transition intersects with ethnic diversity, economic precarity, and far-right populism, generating uncertainty in communities whose deep regional ties are rooted in the oil-shale industry and shaped by both the Soviet past and a contested green future. We show that locals hold multiple, overlapping identities, which the green transition can unsettle, fuelling social discontent and perceptions of injustice around green transition policies and measures. The paper further demonstrates how the Estonian far right strategically deploys selective intersectionality by reframing local demands for fairness through identity-selective narratives, such as gender, labour heritage, and land, to broaden political influence while excluding marginalized groups. The findings highlight the need for place-sensitive policies that tackle regional inequalities and strengthen the legitimacy of green transitions.

Source: Environmental Politics

DOI: 10.1080/09644016.2026.2612815

Authors: Mahir Yazar, Eeva Kesküla, Annela Anger-Kraavi

Institutions: University of Bergen, Tallinn University, University of Cambridge

Language: English

Topic: Populism, Right-Wing Movements

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Climate action, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Brown University, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme