Date of Award

Spring 4-21-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

Political Science

First Advisor

Beau Breslin

Second Advisor

Benjamin Sehnert

Third Advisor

Joseph Cermatori

Abstract

My thesis explores how over time, walls and anti-immigration rhetoric have become winning populist tools in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Focusing on Donald Trump and Nigel Farage, I compare how they use this type of rhetoric as a campaign tool–both in speeches and social media–to increase nationalism in their respective countries and how it allows them to either successfully win their election or pass different policies. Looking at their early years, from around 2014-2016, I analyze their similar rhetorical strategies both before announcing their run and during their campaigns. Then, focusing on the present day, I compare how their “walling” rhetoric has changed to become increasingly discriminatory and angry in their respective countries, and the outcomes of that rhetoric on society including the passing of laws, as well as subversions of the law. Next, I explore how this anti-immigration rhetoric has been adopted by other right-wing politicians by looking at a few case studies in Europe to gain a broader perspective of political strategies during these times. Lastly, I hypothesize where the US and UK may be headed after their populist personalities leave and whether the anti-immigrant reality we’re encountering today is here to stay.

Download

Share

COinS