Popular socialism (Central Europe)

Popular socialism (German: Volkssozialismus; Czech: Národní socialismus; Slovene: Narodni socializem) is a distinct socialist ideology in Central Europe with an origin in Austria-Hungary. Central European popular socialism differs from popular socialism in Nordic countries, which is known for a greater left-wing emphasis. With its origin in the 1890s, popular socialism in Central Europe is traditionally associated with democratic and classical radical politics, linking liberal socialism with left-wing nationalism in each respective country.

Popular socialism has traditionally been a centre-left political ideology influential in the politics of Austria-Hungary and its successor states, especially in Czech politics and Slovenian politics. Popular socialist economic beliefs were traditionally close to guild socialism, as they maintained their own trade unions. In practical politics, it is characterized by gradual reformism of state laws and the economy. Popular socialism is viewed by its advocates as an idealist socialism rather than the materialist socialism espoused by Marxism. Popular socialism was also referred to as Czech socialism and later Czechoslovak socialism in Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslav socialism in Yugoslavia.