The main argument of "The Dark Side of European Integration" is that the process of European economic integration has inadvertently fueled a cultural backlash, leading to the rise of nationalist and radical right ideologies. This backlash is a reaction to the perceived loss of national sovereignty and cultural identity.

Alina Polyakova challenges the common belief that economic performance and immigration rates are the sole factors behind the success of radical right parties. She highlights other political and social factors, particularly in post-socialist Eastern European countries, that contribute to the rise of these parties, offering a broader understanding of their appeal.

"The Dark Side of European Integration" offers unique insights into radical right mobilization through in-depth interviews with activists in Ukraine. It reveals the pivotal role of social networks in organizing and sustaining these movements, providing a nuanced view of how political parties and social movements interact and influence each other.