No European democratic country has elected a far-right leader since World War II.

That could change when Austrians vote in presidential elections early next month. They could elect candidate Norbert Hofer, of the far-right Freedom Party. A win by Hofer would be a win for the rising tide of populism sweeping through Europe. 

Italy is also set to hold a constitutional referendum next month. Depending on how that vote goes, it could help push the populist, anti-establishment Five Star Movement into power there. 

We talk with Maxime Larive, associate director of the European Union Center at the University of Illinois, about the upcoming votes and what they could mean for the future of the EU.