What is Populism?

What Is Populism?

Populism has become an increasingly important force in modern politics, influencing political movements and elections worldwide.

The term is generally used to describe a political approach that presents society as divided between “ordinary people” and a powerful or corrupt “elite.” Populist politicians typically argue that politics should more directly reflect the interests and will of the people.

One reason populism can be difficult to define is that it is not exclusively left-wing or right-wing. Populist movements can emerge across the political spectrum and combine populist arguments with different political ideologies.

The Core Idea

At the centre of populism is the belief that established political institutions or elites have become disconnected from ordinary citizens.

Populist movements may therefore criticise political establishments, traditional parties, economic elites, experts, the media or other powerful institutions. They often present themselves as challenging an existing political system on behalf of people who feel ignored or inadequately represented.

However, what counts as “the people” and “the elite” can differ considerably between populist movements.

Left-Wing and Right-Wing Populism

Left-wing populism commonly places greater emphasis on economic inequality and the concentration of wealth and power. Political and economic elites may be presented as benefiting from an economic system that disadvantages ordinary citizens.

Right-wing populism is more commonly associated with issues such as national identity, immigration, sovereignty and opposition to established political institutions.

These categories are not absolute. Populist parties and politicians can combine ideas traditionally associated with both the political left and right.

Why Has Populism Grown?

The growth of populism has been connected to several wider political and economic developments.

Economic inequality, declining trust in political institutions, globalisation, concerns surrounding immigration and national identity, dissatisfaction with established political parties, and the growth of social media have all contributed to environments in which populist movements can gain support.

Major political and economic crises can also strengthen populist arguments by increasing dissatisfaction with existing institutions.

Populism and Democracy

The relationship between populism and democracy is complicated.

Supporters can argue that populist movements make democracy more responsive by raising concerns that established political parties have ignored and encouraging greater political participation.

Critics argue that populism can become problematic when political leaders claim that they alone represent the “real people.” This can weaken respect for political opposition, independent institutions, minority rights and other checks on government power.

Populism, therefore, highlights an important tension within democracy: governments should respond to public opinion, but democratic systems also rely on institutions and rules that prevent political power from becoming concentrated.

Why Does Populism Matter?

Understanding populism is increasingly important for understanding contemporary politics. Populist movements have influenced debates surrounding immigration, economic inequality, national sovereignty, globalisation and the role of political institutions.

Rather than simply describing populism as left-wing or right-wing, it is more useful to understand it as a political approach that divides politics between “the people” and “the elite.”

As dissatisfaction with traditional political institutions continues to influence elections around the world, populism is likely to remain an important feature of modern politics.