IDEOLOGY AND THE PARTY SYSTEM IN NEOLIBERAL DEMOCRACIES

NIGERIA AND THE UNITED STATES

Abstract

The paper examines the role and significance of ideology for party systems and electoral support in the 21st century neoliberal democracies with references to Nigeria and the United States of America. We argued that critical national issues serve as basis for political party support rather than ideology. The seemingly post-cold war global consensus on the neo-liberal ideology, the convergence on the ideological centre in the absence of any serious contemporary alternative to the market economy, and the catch-all strategy adopted by political parties have led to the mainstream parties sharing their policies. Emphases have shifted from ideological differences to performance in governance in mobilize party support. Effectiveness in handling national policy issues is far more critical in winning elections than proffering a different ideology from the mainstream party.