Populism in politics is a term that has gained significant attention in recent years, as more and more leaders around the world adopt populist rhetoric and policies to garner support. What exactly does it mean to be a populist in politics, and how does this phenomenon manifest itself in different countries and contexts? In short, it has been observed how, generally, populist political parties use emotions in their messages with a similar strategy in the four cases. They use fear, anger, and resentment to tap into the frustrations of the general population and present themselves as the voice of the people.
From the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, to the similar uprising in Brazil in 2023, far-right politicians are infringing on democratic norms and inciting violence in the name of populism. The American economist said the risks of political strife are “really, very substantially greater” now than they have been throughout his career, highlighting the dangerous consequences of unchecked populist movements.
What do Donald Trump, Jeremy Corbyn, and Rodrigo Duterte have in common? Despite their differences, each man has been labeled a populist for their ability to appeal to the masses and tap into popular grievances. The veteran politician shot and wounded on Wednesday is a fan of Viktor Orbán and has embraced ever more extreme positions to retain power, showcasing the lengths to which some leaders will go to maintain their populist appeal.