Mirko CRULLI

Mirko Crulli’s research is situated at the intersection of comparative politics and political sociology, with a particular focus on the dynamics of voting behavior, public opinion, cleavage politics, political geography, and the study of populism and radical right politics.

His work follows two main, interrelated research trajectories. The first centers on cleavage theory, with particular attention to the emergence of new cleavages in contemporary European societies, as well as the potential reactivation of traditional divides—most notably the urban-rural cleavage. He is particularly interested in how processes of globalization and value change reshape the structure of political conflict, and how these transformations manifest spatially (e.g. within and across European cities).

The second trajectory revolves around the study of populist and radical right politics. He investigates these parties and their electorates as key actors in the articulation and representation of new value-based and globalization-related cleavages. His research explores both the demand and supply sides of radical right politics, including the geographical and social roots of their support, their stances on issues such as climate change, and their evolving relationship with mainstream politics.

Methodologically, his research is grounded in quantitative approaches, with a strong reliance on survey data and statistical analysis.

In 2026, he will expand this research scope with a new project on perceptions of differentness in society and affective polarization, as related to territorial belonging.