Populism has grown in intensity over the recent past and become such a potent force that it is reshaping political landscapes worldwide. Major democracies and autocratic regimes have recently seen populist movements capitalize on public discontent in challenges against traditional power structures and redefine leadership. Though it may seem that populism is quite a modern phenomenon, it has rather deep historical roots. We should try to understand the current rise by going into a detailed discussion of the rise, evolution, and continuity of its impact on governance and society.
Populism is a style in politics that venerates the “common people” against an unresponsive or corrupt elite. Its core appeal is the promise to empower the regular citizen and to topple entrenched power hierarchies.
But unlike any fixed ideology, populism is amorphous to the respective cultural and political context in which it dwells. Thus, it could be a left-wing movement demanding economic justice, or it could be right-wing campaigns hinging on nationalism and cultural protection. That is what makes populism both a powerful and polarizing force.
History of Populism
Though the term “populism” was first used in the 19th century, the ideal it represents has existed for many centuries.
1. Ancient Rome: Even within the Roman Republic itself, populist leaders like the brothers Gracchi fought over progressive issues such as land reforms in favor of the poor. The fruits of their battle against the top-heavy aristocracy enjoyed favor among the masses; the consequence was politically turbulent.
2. Populist Party (USA): In the 1890s, the Populist Party of the United States represented farmers and laborers. It called for monetary reform and governmental control of railroads. This was one of the first coherent instances of modern populism.
3. Latin America: The rise of charismatic, populist leaders like Juan Perón in Argentina or Getúlio Vargas in Brazil—outlasted the 20th-century latencies. Economically nationalistic, leadership-based mixes elicited the support of workers and outcasts.
Populism After World War II
Since World War II, however, populism has taken a new turn. Though temporary economic recovery alleviated class-based grievances in the West, new cultural and political developments have given populism an opening for revival.
1. Civil Rights Movements: Within the 1960s, populist rhetoric could be heard from the conservative and liberal ends of the political spectrum. Figures like George Wallace could appeal to conservative populism, while figures like Martin Luther King Jr. used populist ideas to help in the struggle for equality and justice.
2. Nationalism after the Cold War: The dissolution of the Soviet Union gave populist nationalism more buy-in. Politicians like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán have used populism in attempts to decry globalization and integration within the European bloc and to turn home populations to his support.
Populism in the 21st Century
In this century, each of the factors of economic disparities, cultural change, and technological disruption goes into the making of the most resonant and most widespread kind of themes and forms of populism.
1. United States: The “America First” agenda, anti-globalization rhetoric, and charisma at the heart of the presidency of Donald Trump all came together in a synthesis of right-wing populism.
2. Europe: More than anything else, the phenomenon of Brexit—beyond merely the rise of far-right parties such as France’s National Rally—proves that populist platforms pegged on issues of sovereignty and control of immigration can find great purchase among the masses.
3. South Asia: It is here that the populist narrative is brought into great effect by political leaders such as Narendra Modi in India, melding majoritarianism with promises of economic growth. Populist dynamics have been at work in Bangladesh also, where leaders immediately reach out to the sentiments of the masses.
4. The Left-Wing Populism of Latin America: The left-wing populism espoused by people such as Evo Morales from Bolivia and Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico underlines the redistribution of wealth and social justice.
Populism: How Does It Emerge?
There were several different reasons for this recent surge of populism, including the following:
Wealth inequality increased—the result of globalization and the shifting technological dynamics that have embittered citizens against the elites.
Cultural anxiety: The rapidity of changes in society—immigration and shifting demographics—has engendered fears of erosion.
Mistrust of institutions: Scandals, corruption, and inefficiencies have destroyed faith in the political mainstream parties and systems.
Social media: Twitter and Facebook amplify populist messages, allowing leadership to bypass the traditional media and speak directly with their followers.
The Janus-Faced Character of Populism
Its actual consequences also have, meanwhile, been sharply debated. On the one hand, it could galvanize democracy by giving voice to the excluded and shaking up ossified elites. More often, however, populism undermines democratic norms and tends to issue in authoritarian leadership, thereby weakening the system of checks and balances. Examples abound:
In countries like Hungary and Turkey, populist leaders have used their newfound influence to consolidate power at the expense of free presses and judicial independence.
As well as giving voice to indigenous peoples and causing political turbulence, that same phenomenon has pushed Bolivia towards the election of an outsider president.
The populist appeal is not going to be a flash in the pan, at least for the reason that the movement will have a place so long as there exists economic inequality and fragmentation and a breach between people and institutional structures.
How, then, may its consequences be kept in abeyance?
1. Deepen democratic structures: By transparent governance, ways can be gained back, at least by way of accountability.
2. Foster economic integration: There will have to be policies to reduce disparity and bring hope to all people.
3. Cultivate positive engagement: Instead of polarization, common ground is given through acts to collaborate when the articulation of the complaints occurs.
Populism speaks about people’s grievances and people’s hopes. It is better negotiated in the historical roots of present-day expression.
