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This study investigates why young adults (aged 15–35) in Europe support right-wing populist parties. Using a mixed-methods design, it combines a review of existing literature with a quantitative analysis of data from the European Social Survey (ESS11, 2025). The research employs Social Identity Theory and political distrust theory to assess whether support stems mainly from cultural grievances, alienation from political institutions, or socioeconomic factors. 

The literature review highlights cultural threat and political distrust as the leading explanations in prior research. However, findings from a multivariate logistic regression show that perceived cultural threat is the strongest and most significant predictor of voting behavior. Contrary to some earlier views, political distrust does not show a statistically significant independent effect when cultural and ideological factors are accounted for. Socioeconomic status including household income and education level also shows no significant correlation with support in this broad European sample. 

The study concludes that the appeal of right-wing populism among young Europeans is best understood as part of a cultural divide, where identity and group belonging play a central role. Voting for these parties appears to be a rational reaction to perceived threats to national identity, rather than a response to economic hardship or a simple protest against the political establishment. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how identity politics and digital socialization are transforming political engagement among Europe’s youth.