Populism's Global Rise: Rewriting the Rules of Politics

In recent years, populism has become a dominant force reshaping the political dynamics across the globe. From the rise of populist leaders in the United States, Europe, and Latin America to increasing anti-establishment sentiments worldwide, populism is fundamentally altering how politics works — and not always for the better. What’s more, it’s often accompanied by a variety of catchy slogans, a hefty dose of bravado, and, of course, plenty of finger-pointing. But while it may seem like a political fad, populism has left a lasting imprint on the global landscape, and it’s worth taking a closer look at how and why this is happening. Populist movements have grown in both strength and significance, making it essential to analyse their causes, impacts, and future trajectory.

Source: James McNellis from Washington, DC, United States (2017) / CC By 2.0

“So… What is Populism?”

Populism, in its simplest form, can be described as a political approach that contrasts “the people" with “the elite." It involves rhetoric that emphasises the will of the common people and claims to speak for them against a perceived out-of-touch, corrupt, and self-serving elite. Populist movements often position themselves as the voice of ordinary people, arguing that established political systems have been hijacked by powerful, often distant, groups. This dichotomy between “the people" and “the elite" is the backbone of populist ideology.

While populism can take various forms — right-wing, left-wing, and centrist — it tends to share several common elements. Populist leaders or movements often present themselves as outsiders who will disrupt the status quo, promising to restore power to the people. They frequently criticise globalisation, advocate for national sovereignty, and reject the influence of international institutions. Populism can also fuel nationalism and xenophobia, as it emphasises the need to protect the nation and its people from external threats, whether they be migrants, international organisations, or foreign governments.

The Root Causes of Populism: What’s Really Going On?

Populism doesn’t just appear out of thin air. It’s a response to real economic, social, and cultural changes, often triggered by deep-rooted dissatisfaction with the status quo. The 2008 financial crisis played a huge role in triggering populist sentiments. This global disaster exposed the fragility of the international financial system and highlighted the gap between the economic elite and the ordinary citizen. When the system fails the majority, the populist narrative becomes a siren call for change.

Economic Inequality and Stagnation

A critical driver of populism is economic inequality. Over the past few decades, the rich have gotten richer, while wages for the average worker have stagnated or declined. Globalisation, for all its benefits, has also been a double-edged sword. The promise of prosperity for all has been replaced by a harsh reality where many working-class citizens feel left behind. Small towns and rust-belt cities in Western countries, for example, watched as factories shut down, and jobs disappeared — often to cheaper, foreign labour markets. Populist leaders capitalise on this frustration, offering simple solutions and blaming globalisation, immigration, or elites for these issues. It’s the political equivalent of pointing at a broken vending machine and blaming the guy in the suit for taking all the snacks.

Cultural Shifts and National Identity

Another major factor is cultural anxiety. The forces of immigration, multiculturalism, and technological change have led many people to feel like their national identity is under threat. Populist movements often thrive on these feelings, offering a return to a “simpler" time — even if that time never really existed in the first place. Whether it’s the rise of nationalist movements in Europe, Brexit in the UK, or the anti-immigrant rhetoric in the U.S., populist leaders tap into this fear of cultural erosion. It’s as if they’re saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll get us back to the good old days, when everything was perfect… except it wasn’t, and we all just forgot about it." It’s a bit like being promised a magical time machine that only ever goes backwards.

The “Elite” and the “Fake News” Phenomenon

The growing distrust of the elite and media is another key factor in the rise of populism. Populist leaders often position themselves as the only ones who can truly speak for the people. As they point out the corruption, hypocrisy, and disconnect of the elite, they present themselves as a “truth-teller", even if their version of truth involves a hefty amount of embellishment. The media, too, often gets caught in the crossfire. Populist leaders love to shout “fake news” at the press, accusing them of being biased, out of touch, or in cahoots with the elites. It's like when the class bully accuses the teacher of playing favourites — except in this case, the teacher is every journalist who dares to fact-check the bully. It’s easy to see why people would get swept up in this narrative of heroism versus villainy.

The Rise of Populism in the 21st Century

The 21st century has seen an explosion of populist movements, particularly since the financial crises of the late 2000s. In the wake of economic instability, the perception of inequality, and a growing divide between the elites and the common people, populist leaders have gained traction by offering simple, direct answers to complex problems. They capitalise on frustration with political elites, economic stagnation, and a sense of disempowerment among the electorate.

In the United States, the election of Donald Trump in 2016 marked a significant moment in the rise of right-wing populism. Trump's "America First" agenda, with its focus on immigration control, trade protectionism, and criticism of political elites, resonated with millions of voters who felt alienated by the political establishment. Trump's appeal was rooted in his ability to frame complex issues in simple, often divisive terms, which energised a large portion of the electorate who saw him as an outsider fighting for their interests.

Jair Bolsonaro (Source: Isac Nóbrega / CC By 2.0)

Similarly, in Europe, populist movements have surged in countries like Hungary, Poland, and Italy, where leaders such as Viktor Orbán, Matteo Salvini, and Marine Le Pen have risen to prominence. These leaders have utilised nationalist rhetoric, emphasising the preservation of national identity, the rejection of immigration, and the criticism of the European Union as an overbearing institution. Orbán’s illiberal democracy in Hungary, for instance, has become a symbol of how populist leaders can erode democratic norms while appealing to a sense of national pride and sovereignty.

Even in Latin America, populism has experienced a revival. Leaders like Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil and Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) in Mexico have embraced populist rhetoric to challenge entrenched political and economic systems. Bolsonaro’s right-wing populism, with its focus on nationalism and conservatism, has aligned with the global rise of right-wing populism, while AMLO’s left-wing populism focuses on social justice and the redistribution of wealth, often critiquing the elites and neoliberal economic policies.

The Appeal of Populism

Populism appeals to many because it provides an outlet for dissatisfaction with the existing political order. One of the key factors contributing to its rise is the growing economic inequality and perceived lack of accountability among the political elite. For many, populist leaders appear as champions of the “common person" who will fight against the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few.

Populist movements also thrive on dissatisfaction with traditional political parties, which are often viewed as ineffective, corrupt, or out of touch with the concerns of ordinary citizens. Many voters, especially in countries that have experienced economic stagnation, feel disillusioned with mainstream politicians who seem more concerned with maintaining power than addressing their needs. Populism, in this sense, offers a sense of hope and change — an alternative to the status quo.

Another key element of populism’s appeal is its ability to create a sense of national identity and unity. In times of economic or social crisis, populist leaders can exploit fears about the loss of cultural identity, often by framing the “elite" as responsible for undermining the nation’s values or heritage. This is particularly true of right-wing populism, which often links national identity to cultural conservatism and opposition to immigration.

Populism also thrives on its simplicity. The political world is complex, and populist leaders often offer solutions that are straightforward, even if they may not be entirely feasible or sustainable. Populist leaders promise to take action, whether it’s through building walls, withdrawing from international agreements, or implementing protectionist trade policies. These promises resonate with voters who are frustrated by the inability of traditional politicians to deliver meaningful change.

The Impact of Populism on Democracy

Populism (while appealing to a broad base) presents several challenges to the functioning of democracy. One of the most significant impacts of populism is the erosion of democratic norms and institutions. Populist leaders, once in power, often seek to weaken checks and balances, attack the media, and undermine the independence of the judiciary. This trend is particularly evident in countries like Hungary and Poland, where populist governments have targeted institutions that might challenge their authority.

The rise of populism also challenges pluralism and the idea of compromise in democratic societies. Populists often frame political debates in binary terms — there are “the people" and “the elite," and the “will of the people" must always prevail. This rhetoric can marginalise minority groups, undermine social cohesion, and reduce political dialogue to a zero-sum game. Instead of promoting deliberation and consensus, populist politics often polarises societies and encourages divisiveness.

Moreover, populism can weaken international cooperation. Many populist leaders are sceptical of globalisation and the international institutions that facilitate cooperation on global issues such as climate change, trade, and human rights. For example, Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and his scepticism toward NATO were emblematic of how populism can disrupt long-standing international alliances and agreements.

Populist leaders often portray themselves as the true representatives of the people, undermining the role of opposition parties and democratic institutions that provide checks on executive power. In the long term, this erosion of democratic safeguards can threaten the stability and health of democratic systems.

Populism and its Consequences for Global Politics

On the international stage, populism has reshaped global politics by encouraging a retreat from multilateralism and the rise of nationalism. Leaders like Trump in the US, Boris Johnson in the UK, and others have embraced policies that prioritise national interests over international cooperation. This has led to a more fragmented global political environment, with countries increasingly pursuing isolationist or protectionist policies.

The rise of populism has also shifted the balance of power in global governance. For instance, in the European Union, populist movements have gained ground, challenging the EU’s integrationist agenda and questioning the legitimacy of European institutions. The Brexit vote in 2016, which was driven by populist rhetoric, was a key moment in this shift, signalling a retreat from European unity.

On the global stage, populism has fostered a more competitive and confrontational approach to international relations, with populist leaders often embracing protectionist trade policies, questioning long-standing alliances, and advocating for national sovereignty at the expense of global cooperation. This has led to greater tension between nations and uncertainty about the future of international institutions like the United Nations, the European Union, and the World Trade Organisation.

Donald Trump signing an executive order at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC on Monday. (Source: Carlos Barría/Reuters)

The Future of Populism

In my view, populism is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s clear that populist movements highlight real issues — such as economic inequality, job displacement, and cultural anxieties — that have been ignored for too long by the political elite. It’s hard to ignore the fact that many populist leaders are tapping into valid frustrations that many citizens feel, especially those who have been left behind by globalisation and technological advances. However, what troubles me is how populism often sacrifices nuance and complex solutions for oversimplified answers, which can lead to division and conflict. While populist rhetoric promises to “give power back to the people," it often undermines democratic institutions and compromises the very values that make democracy work: pluralism, compromise, and cooperation. Furthermore, the focus on nationalism, while offering a sense of identity, can breed exclusionary ideologies that are harmful to social cohesion. Populism may serve as a wake-up call for political reform, but I believe it should be pursued with caution, ensuring that it doesn’t pave the way for authoritarianism or the erosion of civil liberties. In the long run, the challenge will be to strike a balance between addressing the real concerns of populist movements and protecting the democratic values that make for a fair and just society.

The rise of populism has undeniably reshaped the global political landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, populism can give voice to disaffected populations, challenge entrenched elites, and promote greater political participation. On the other hand, it has the potential to undermine democratic institutions, exacerbate polarisation, and weaken international cooperation.

As populist movements continue to gain traction, it is crucial for democracies to adapt and address the underlying grievances that fuel populist support. Addressing economic inequality, improving political transparency, and promoting inclusive dialogue are essential steps in countering the negative effects of populism. At the same time, it is important to recognise the value of pluralism, compromise, and international collaboration in maintaining a stable and prosperous global political order.

Ultimately, the future of populism will depend on how political systems and societies respond to its rise. If populism is embraced without checks, it could destabilise democracies and international relations. However, if it is channelled in a way that respects democratic norms and values, it could lead to meaningful reforms and a more inclusive political environment. The challenge lies in balancing the demands of populist movements with the need for stable, democratic governance in a complex and interconnected world.

S xoxo

Written at Courchevel, France

20th January 2025