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The Overton Window is a model for understanding how ideas in society change over time and influence politics. The core concept is that politicians are limited in what policy ideas they can support — they generally only pursue policies that are widely accepted throughout society as legitimate policy options. These policies lie inside the Overton Window. Other policy ideas exist, but politicians risk losing popular support if they champion these ideas. These policies lie outside the Overton Window.

The Overton Window was developed in the mid-1990's by the late Joseph P. Overton.

Read more at A brief explanation of the Overton Window.

The Overton Window varies between the U.S. and the EU due to different political, cultural, and historical contexts.

• In the U.S., the Overton Window has traditionally included a wide range of ideas, reflecting the country's emphasis on individualism and free speech. However, recent years have seen shifts due to factors like political polarization, social media influence, and major events such as the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Issues like gun control, healthcare, and immigration have seen significant shifts in what is considered mainstream.

• In the EU, the Overton Window has also expanded in recent years, particularly with the rise of right-wing populism and Euroscepticism. Events like Brexit, the refugee crisis, and economic challenges have influenced public opinion and policy debates. The EU's Overton Window now includes ideas that were previously considered fringe, such as stricter immigration controls and Eurosceptic policies.

Key Differences are illustrated in these areas:

• Political Polarization: The U.S. experiences high levels of political polarization, which can lead to more extreme shifts in the Overton Window2.
• Cultural Context: The EU's diverse cultural and political landscape means that the Overton Window can vary significantly between member states.
• Historical Context: The U.S. has a longer history of individualism and free speech, while the EU's political discourse has been shaped by its integration efforts and recent crises.