Populism

Populism divides society into 'the people' and 'the elite,' claiming to represent the general will of the majority while pitting them against a corrupt minority. But how does this phenomenon shape politics worldwide?

1. Populism is not an ideology but a strategy

Populism is a political strategy that organizes society into two opposing groups: "the people" and "the elite," aiming to highlight grievances and rally the masses. Unlike ideologies such as socialism or conservatism, populism doesn’t have a fixed set of beliefs or policies. Instead, it thrives on rhetoric that pits the general population against political, economic, or cultural elites believed to pursue their agendas at the expense of ordinary citizens.

The term "populism" describes movements across the political spectrum, from Bernie Sanders' left-wing advocacy of social reforms to Donald Trump’s right-wing nationalism. Its essence lies in portraying established institutions as corrupt and offering "the people" direct representation. Populist leaders emphasize restoring sovereignty to the public, claiming they uniquely understand and will act on the general will.

This strategic framework enables populism to adapt to various host ideologies. Whether focusing on economic disparity as left-wing populists do or cultural and nationalistic issues as with right-wing movements, the overarching theme is one of division: elite versus the people, corruption versus purity.

Examples

• Bernie Sanders’ campaign blamed wealthy elites for income inequality.
• The Tea Party in the US criticized both Wall Street and liberal academia as elite entities.
• Right-wing leader Marine Le Pen in France centered her rhetoric around nationalism against perceived globalist elites.

2. Host ideologies define populist movements

Populism attaches itself to host ideologies, which shape its content and goals. While populism identifies problems with "elites," the specific framing of these issues depends on its ideological underpinning. Host ideologies, ranging from socialism to nationalism, give populism direction and dimensions.

In the 2007-2008 financial crisis aftermath, left-wing groups like Occupy Wall Street and right-wing groups like the Tea Party emerged in the US. Though both railed against elites and depicted the financial system as unjust, their messages diverged owing to distinct ideological roots. Occupy Wall Street championed a socialist, inclusive vision that emphasized the “99%” against Wall Street and Washington elites. Meanwhile, the Tea Party adhered to conservative ideals, opposing cultural elites and big government programs like bailouts.

Europe saw similar patterns, with ideologies fueling populist movements. In Greece, left-wing Syriza fought austerity measures spearheaded by EU financial institutions. These movements highlight how geographic and cultural contexts combine with ideologies to mold specific populist agendas.

Examples

• Occupy Wall Street emphasized economic equality uniting diverse groups.
• The Tea Party embraced conservative nationalism opposing not just financial elites but liberal institutions.
• Syriza leveraged hostility against external economic elites in Greece’s post-crisis struggles.

3. Charismatic leaders drive populist momentum

Populist leaders rely on personal charisma to captivate the masses and distinguish themselves from the establishment. Charismatic traits—like confidence, conviction, and the capacity to inspire followers—enable leaders to rally people and take decisive action in uncertain political climates.

Donald Trump exemplified this approach during his 2016 campaign. Portraying himself as an outsider unafraid to speak truth to power, Trump gained support by emphasizing America’s lost glory under an allegedly corrupt elite. Another striking example is Alberto Fujimori of Peru, who framed himself as "one of the people" through personalist politics while addressing crises in the late 1980s.

Successful populist leaders also tend to craft relatable identities. Whether through anti-elitist rhetoric or presenting themselves as part of the public, they tap into feelings of disconnection among voters. In some cases, they form new parties to bypass traditional structures that might mute their appeal.

Examples

• Donald Trump’s unconventional style and bold rhetoric energized disillusioned conservative voters.
• Fujimori branded himself as an "outsider-maverick" amid Peru’s political turmoil.
• Italy’s Beppe Grillo captivated citizens with his grassroots Five Star Movement.

4. Populist leaders foster a strongman image

Populists often portray themselves as decisive and independent, willing to take bold action to challenge established systems. A key tactic includes rejecting political correctness or institutional restrictions to appear more relatable and authentic.

Silvio Berlusconi embraced this approach during his leadership in Italy. By using flamboyant, dismissive rhetoric, he pictured himself as strong, virile, and unapologetically outspoken, appealing to common citizens. This approach extends to embracing perceived flaws—such as Berlusconi’s cavalier acknowledgment of scandals—reinforcing the narrative that the leader is authentic and different from fake elites.

Strongman tactics often involve hyper-masculinity and actions that emphasize courage or authority. For many populist leaders, this image cements their appeal among voters disillusioned by traditional institutional weaknesses.

Examples

• Silvio Berlusconi’s unapologetic response to personal scandals bolstered his image as bold and unaffected.
• Viktor Orbán in Hungary portrays himself as a nationalist defender of Hungarian identity against EU elites.
• Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil uses a tough, uncompromising demeanor to rally support.

5. Economic crises fuel populist rise

Economic instability often provides fertile ground for populism. Financial crises weaken trust in traditional political systems, heightening anger among disenfranchised citizens. As people demand solutions, they look to alternative voices addressing their frustrations directly.

After Greece’s financial collapse, left-wing populist party Syriza garnered support by proposing an anti-austerity agenda that defied EU pressure. Similarly, the 2007-2008 financial crisis sparked protests from grassroots leftist movements like Occupy Wall Street and conservative activists within the Tea Party. The shared grievances of income inequality and government bailouts became rallying cries.

Economic downturns often exacerbate feelings of unfairness, encouraging voters to tune into simplified but emotionally charged messages populists deliver.

Examples

• Syriza’s election signified Greeks' confusion and discontent after austerity measures.
• Occupy Wall Street gained momentum during high unemployment and financial uncertainty.
• The Tea Party thrived by critiquing government bailouts after the recession.

6. Media amplifies populist narratives

Media platforms play an essential role in elevating populist movements. By giving coverage to their charismatic leaders and anti-establishment rhetoric, both traditional and social media help expand their reach. Populists use controversy as a tool to command attention, reproducing their messages to vast audiences.

In Finland, the True Finns party capitalized on political scandals to rise in popularity. Through generating headlines and appealing to public anger over corruption, they connected their anti-immigration platform to general discontent. Media coverage of sensational comments and events often keeps populist figures in the spotlight.

The increasing prevalence of social media platforms, where populist leaders bypass mainstream gatekeepers, adds another layer to their proliferation.

Examples

• True Finns grew influence using anti-immigrant and anti-establishment rhetoric.
• Donald Trump’s extensive use of Twitter allowed him to mobilize supporters.
• Media consistently provided platforms for controversial populist discussions, often amplified for their entertainment value.

7. Populist leadership thrives on urgency

Populist leaders often capitalize on crises—be they economic, social, or political—to promote immediate action. Populism flourishes where uncertainty fuels demands for decisive solutions.

During Bolivia’s 2000s political upheaval, Evo Morales campaigned as a savior for indigenous populations disenfranchised by neoliberal policies. He portrayed himself as a transformative figure ready to confront corrupt elites for societal change. Leaders like Morales harness perceived urgency to shift conventional power dynamics.

This sense of urgency creates a unique feature of populism: populists often aim to reshape the political landscape by rejecting slow-moving policy-making processes in favor of dramatic action.

Examples

• Evo Morales leveraged populism to address anti-neoliberal discontent in Bolivia.
• Greek populist leaders called for rejecting creditor impositions during economic hardship.
• Urgency allows populists to declare themselves the only viable alternative.

8. Populist attitudes are challenging to reverse

Once populist thinking takes root, reversing these attitudes is difficult. Feelings of distrust toward the establishment persist long after populists gain traction. Major political scandals, irresponsible governance, or perceived abandonment intensify skepticism toward mainstream politics.

To avoid further radicalization, governments need transparency and accountability. In Finland, government mishandling of corruption issues left the True Finns a steady platform. Accepting faults, addressing grievances sincerely, and involving populists in governance can temper discontent.

Letting populist parties prove themselves in coalitions may assist in easing public perceptions of entrenched elite interests.

Examples

• Finland highlighted the costs of elite denial during systemic crises.
• Greece’s establishment parties failed to preempt Syriza’s popularity by ignoring austerity concerns.
• Proactive transparency shows good governance intentions.

9. Populism shapes global politics in diverse ways

Populism has emerged in different forms worldwide, adapted to varying regional circumstances. Though a global trend, it reflects unique socio-political contexts in each country.

From Latin America’s rise of left-leaning populists like Morales to Europe’s nationalist movements, populism interacts with local history, economics, and culture. These variations echo shared grievances but implement distinct solutions.

Studying its global roots can shed light on broad political realignments around the world.

Examples

• Bolivia represents regional populism addressing indigenous rights.
• Europe epitomizes nationalistic, anti-globalist trends.
• US populism blends left-right rhetoric targeting elite institutions.

Takeaways

1. Promote transparency in political systems to regain public trust and counter populist narratives.
2. Engage with disenfranchised groups to address grievances fueling populism near its roots.
3. Educate citizens about populism’s strategies and patterns to encourage informed voting behavior.