Understanding the Surge of Populism: Effects on Global Politics and Governance

Did you know that in Italy’s 1994 election, over 90% of Forza Italia’s lawmakers were new? This is 50% more than the average for that election. Populist movements worldwide are changing global politics and governance in big ways¹. From the U.S. to Europe, populism’s impact is deep and wide. It often starts in areas with economic troubles and quickly challenges old political ways².

In this article, we dive into populism’s role in shaping governance and international relations. Populism’s effects are big, from leaders’ bold words to social media’s role in rallying people³. We’ll look at important examples, what’s behind this rise, and its effects on today’s and tomorrow’s politics.

Key Takeaways

• Populist movements can make democracy more representative but can also reduce accountability¹.
• Economic gaps and cultural identity issues drive populism’s growth².
• The political scene is changing fast, with new parties emerging due to social and economic fears³.
• Populism changes how countries interact and affects stability at home, forcing a shift in governance³.
• Social media is key in spreading populist messages and building support³.

Introduction to Populism in Global Politics

Political populism is a big deal in today’s world politics. It’s all about standing up against the elite and for the common folk. Knowing where populism comes from helps us understand its big impact on our democracies.

Defining Populism

At its core, populism is about the battle between the “pure people” and the “corrupt elite.” It’s a fight for fair governance that everyone can relate to. For 25-30 years, scholars have been studying this trend, seeing it grow fast, mainly among right-wing groups in Europe and the U.S⁴..

Populist leaders claim to speak for the people, skipping over traditional democracy for direct actions like referendums. They make big promises that sound good but might not be doable⁴.

Historical Context

In the U.S. and Europe, populism has deep roots in people’s anger and economic troubles. Populist parties in Europe started growing in the early 2000s, really taking off after the banking and debt crises⁴. People saw the wealthy elite, like bankers, as the cause of their problems⁴.

By the 1980s, the old guard of politics in Europe was facing new challenges. The Greens and then the populist right began to make waves⁵. After 2008, the focus turned to how populism was on the rise. Parties like France’s National Front, Austria’s Freedom Party, and the Netherlands’ Party for Freedom became known for their anti-immigration and anti-EU views⁵.

The financial crisis and migration issues have made populism even more popular. Populist parties now try to win over as many people as possible with their broad appeals⁵.

The Global Rise of Populism

In recent years, populism has changed global politics a lot. It has spread across many continents. Studies show us a lot about this big change.

Case Studies from Europe

In Europe, many countries like the UK, Italy, Germany, and others have seen a big rise in populist movements. These movements often say no to immigration and don’t like EU rules. They see themselves as fighting for their country’s freedom and identity⁶.

For example, Marine Le Pen in France wants to put France first. In Germany, the AfD party focuses on stopping immigration and opposing the EU. In Italy, the Five Star Movement and the League have gained a lot of support by opposing old politics and pushing for a stronger Italy.

Case Studies from the United States

In the U.S., populism has also grown, with Donald Trump’s win in 2016 being a big example⁷. Trump challenged the old ways of politics, using strong words against the establishment. He focused on stopping immigration and making the U.S. economy stronger. His time in office showed how powerful populist ideas can be in changing politics and policies.

Even though Trump is no longer president, his impact on U.S. politics is huge. There are ongoing debates about how he has changed things and what the future holds for populist movements in the U.S. This has made U.S. politics even more divided⁷.

Comparative Analysis

Looking at Europe and the U.S., we see both similarities and differences in populism. In both places, people are unhappy with old politics and want more control over their countries. But, European populists often blame immigrants for taking too much from the system and changing their culture⁶. In the U.S., populism is more about opposing globalization and focusing on the economy.

European populists have also benefited from the EU and more immigration⁶. Populist leaders in Europe, like those from Poland and Hungary, work together to challenge democracy⁶.

Factors Behind the Surge of Populism

Populism is growing worldwide, driven by economic inequality and cultural identity politics. The 2008 economic crisis made people angry at the elite, feeling they don’t care about the common good⁸. Fast social changes and immigration make some feel their culture is being lost⁸.

Economic Inequality

Economic inequality is a big reason for populism. Neoliberal policies focus on profits over people, leading to job insecurity³. This creates a perfect storm for populist leaders who promise to fix these issues.

Globalization has also concentrated wealth, making inequality worse³. This fuels anger and supports populist movements.

In the U.S., lost jobs and uneven globalization benefits have fueled populism⁸. Populist figures like Donald Trump tap into this anger, promising to “drain the swamp.” In Europe, economic pain has led to the rise of extremist parties³.

Cultural Identity

Cultural identity is also key in populism. Fast social changes and immigration lead to cultural dislocation⁸. Populist leaders use nationalism to appeal to those who feel their culture is being lost⁸.

Stories of “somewheres” and “anywheres” show deep cultural and economic divides³. “Somewheres” prefer traditional life, while “anywheres” are more mobile, causing tension.

The mix of economic and cultural issues has boosted populism. Understanding these factors helps address the concerns driving populist movements worldwide.

Populist Movements in Modern Democracies

In today’s democracies, populist movements are making waves. The European Parliament’s 2022 decision to label Hungary as not democratic shows how big of a deal populism is⁹. Both left-wing and right-wing populism have their own ways of affecting society, changing how democracies work.

Left-Wing vs. Right-Wing

Left-wing populism is all about fairness and justice, aiming to help those left behind by the world economy. The Five Star Movement in Italy is a great example of this¹⁰. On the other hand, right-wing populism is more about national pride and stopping immigration. The Alternative for Germany party’s rise in Germany is a big sign of this shift¹⁰. Both types are fueled by economic worries and new tech, changing who people vote for.

Impact on Traditional Parties

Populism is shaking up traditional parties in democracies. Old social democratic parties are losing support, making room for new ones¹¹. In France, the National Front’s popularity has soared, hurting established parties¹⁰. In the Netherlands and Austria, old right-wing parties are moving to the far-right to win votes¹⁰. These changes show how populism is changing party politics and challenging old ways of doing things.

Characteristics of Populist Leaders

Populist leaders have certain traits that set them apart in politics. Knowing these traits helps us understand their appeal and influence. They connect with many people in different ways.

Charismatic Authority

One key trait is their charisma. They use their charm and persuasive skills to win over supporters. Leaders like Marine Le Pen, Viktor Orbán, and Donald Trump have done this well.

They often skip traditional politics and talk directly to people. This is through rallies and social media. It keeps them in campaign mode all the time, even after elections⁴.

They also prefer direct democracy, like referendums, over complex systems. Many see this as a way to better represent their interests⁴. It makes them seem more in touch and responsive to people’s needs.

Anti-Establishment Rhetoric

Another key trait is their anti-establishment talk. They often attack the elite and traditional politics, saying they’re corrupt or out of touch. The rise of right-wing populism is linked to changes like multiculturalism and globalism, seen as threats to national identity⁴.

They use crises to show the elite’s fault, keeping their supporters engaged⁴. In places like the UK, Italy, Germany, and Poland, populist leaders have used these themes to challenge old parties⁶. Donald Trump’s win in the US was a big moment for populism, showing a clear rejection of the old ways⁶.

They also promise quick, big changes to win over those fed up with politics. This “irresponsible bidding” boosts their popularity and keeps people interested in what they do next⁴.

Economic Consequences of Populism

Populism has big effects on the economy, affecting trade and financial rules. Populist leaders often choose protectionist trade policies. This can hurt international relations and slow down economic growth.

In 2018, 16 countries were led by populists, making up over 25% of the world. This shows how far-reaching these policies can be¹².

Trade Policies

Populist leaders often favor protectionist trade policies. This can cause big problems for both local and global economies. For example, when populist leaders canceled the New International Airport of Mexico City (NAIM), the Mexican peso dropped by 3% against the US dollar.

This move caused a lot of economic trouble. Mexico’s GDP fell by up to 4.6% in a year after the decision¹³. The total loss from canceling NAIM was about $68 billion, adjusted for 2024 prices¹³.

Financial Regulation

Populist regimes often try to fix economic problems through financial rules. But, this can lead to instability. After populist leaders take power, countries often see a drop in judicial checks on the executive.

This weakens the balance needed for stable financial rules¹². In fact, only 9 out of 41 populist governments left office normally, showing a common departure from orderly transitions¹².

Changes in financial rules can have big effects on the economy. Populist policies often remove financial checks to win short-term support¹³. This can lead to slower GDP growth and more economic uncertainty.

The decline in judicial oversight and the weakening of political checks make it harder to achieve lasting economic growth.

The Role of Social Media in Populism

In today’s world, social media has become a key player in spreading ideas and getting people involved in politics. It lets leaders talk directly to their followers, skipping over old media rules¹⁴. This direct talk makes populists feel closer to their supporters, creating a strong bond¹⁵.

Amplifying Messages

Populist figures use social media to share their views widely. The UKIP saw huge success on Facebook in 2015, getting 4,000 likes on average for each post. This was more than the Conservative Party¹⁶. The AfD in Germany also has a big following online, showing how digital tools can boost visibility even with little mainstream support¹⁶. Populists use data to tailor their messages, reaching more people¹⁴.

Mobilizing Support

Populist leaders use social media to get people involved, not just to be seen. In Portugal’s 2022 elections, the Chega party jumped from seventh to third place, winning 12 seats and 400,000 votes¹⁵. Marine Le Pen’s National Front in France uses social media to create buzz and get people involved¹⁶. This helps build a strong base of supporters who share the same views¹⁵.

Twitter is a big help for populists, like the European United Left-Nordic Green Left, which has a small share of seats but lots of followers¹⁶. This online reach is key for getting people to act, even in tough times¹⁶. Social media turns online buzz into real action in politics.

Effects of Populism on Political Stability

Populism has a big impact on political stability. It brings up many challenges and makes political divisions worse. Populist leaders often ignore the rules of government, which is bad for stability.

For example, in places like Turkey, Venezuela, and Thailand, populists have led to democratic failures¹. This weakens the government and makes politics very unstable.

Populism also makes politics more divided. The 2016 US election showed how Donald Trump, a populist, won by speaking to people’s anger³. His divisive words make it hard to work together, hurting the political system.

Populism also affects the economy. Civic engagement is going down, with Trump doing better in areas with weaker communities¹⁷. This makes politics even more unstable, as people are less involved in democracy.

In places like Austria, the Freedom Party lost support from working-class people because of unpopular policies¹. This shows how populist actions can shake up old political alliances.

The rise of populism is a big problem for political stability. It messes with the rules and social bonds needed for good governance. We need to work hard to fix these issues and make democracy stronger.

Populism and Global Governance

The rise of populism has changed how the world is governed. It has affected international relations and how policies are made. Populist leaders are now shaping global diplomacy and teamwork, changing the face of governance worldwide.

Impact on International Relations

Populist movements have changed how countries interact with each other. Leaders like Donald Trump have taken more nationalistic and protective stances. This has marked a significant shift in global politics and governance¹⁸.

In countries like Hungary, Poland, and Italy, populist governments have grown stronger. They have also shown more opposition to groups like the EU and NATO. At the same time, they have become more friendly to Russia¹⁸.

Populist leaders have also changed how foreign policy is made. For example, in India, Prime Minister Modi talks directly to the diaspora. This shows how populist leaders make foreign policy more personal¹⁸.

While some populist leaders are ready to start conflicts, it depends on their beliefs. In Turkey, Philippines, and India, populist governance has influenced their global relations. It has reinforced existing trends more than changing them¹⁸.

Policy Making Challenges

Populist leaders make policymaking hard at both national and international levels. Their foreign policies focus on national interests and oppose international elites and institutions. This affects policies a lot¹⁸.

A study found that racial hostility and opposition to trade agreements increase support for populists like Trump. Financial worries don’t seem to play a big role in supporting populists¹⁹.

Populist governments also challenge global bodies by opposing them. They resist organizations like the WTO¹⁸. This disrupts international cooperation and makes global governance harder to achieve. Yet, some populist leaders, like Modi, have kept their foreign policies consistent. This shows a more complex impact on international relations¹⁸.

In conclusion, populism has a big impact on global politics. It shows up in different ways in different places. Populist leaders are changing global governance, challenging the old ways and seeing international relations through a national lens.

Case Studies of Populist Governments

Populist governments have shaped global trends, with many examples showing different results. From the United States to Brazil and the United Kingdom, these examples show how populism has changed politics, economies, and societies.

The United States

In the United States, Donald Trump’s rise showed the global trend of populism. His campaign tapped into economic frustration and a growing “frustration gap” among people. This led to a unique populist movement.

The Trump administration’s trade and fiscal moves followed the Dornbusch-Edwards model. Economic dissatisfaction turned into a crisis over tariffs and trade imbalances²⁰. The U.S. has seen a lot of polarization and partisanship, showing the challenges of populist governance.

Brazil

Brazil’s experience under leaders like Jair Bolsonaro shows populism’s impact in Latin America. Brazil has seen populist episodes lead to high inflation and currency crises, like in Peru and Nicaragua²⁰. Bolsonaro’s time raised concerns about the environment and economy, making people talk more about populism’s long-term effects.

The political scene in Brazil shows the complex link between populist leaders and economic stability.

The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom’s populist movement grew with the Brexit referendum, changing its politics. The campaign to leave the European Union, led by Nigel Farage, focused on national sovereignty and economic dissatisfaction. Brexit shows how populist governance can change international relations and policy-making²⁰.

The political and economic effects of Brexit are ongoing, showing the global trend of populism.

“In the context of populism, we see marked declines in national income and lower incomes for the poor and middle class compared to the start of these populist experiments, further complicating economic recovery and stability”²⁰.

Comparing the United States, Brazil, and the United Kingdom shows how populist governments handle economic policies and societal impacts. This comparison helps us understand the broader effects of global populism trends, giving us insights into the future of populist movements.

The Future of Populism

The future of populism will be influenced by many factors. These include socio-economic and political trends. Populism is expected to evolve, impacting elections in important countries.

Potential Trends

Worldwide, 20 populist leaders hold executive office as of 2018. This shows the power and appeal of these movements²¹. Populist parties have grown in many areas, like Austria’s right-wing Freedom Party, which was in government from 2000 to 2005²¹.

Green parties in Germany and France are also evolving. They offer progressive options, even as some populists doubt climate change²¹.

Populism affects regions in different ways. For example, the Identity and Democracy Group (ID) in the European Parliament grew from 36 to 73 MEPs in 2019. This shows right-wing populism’s growing strength²².

Right-wing populist parties in Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic have different views on globalization and internal policies²².

Scenarios for Future Elections

Political predictions for future elections are varied. Populist parties might keep or grow their power, mainly in areas with big political splits and economic gaps²¹. Left-wing populist parties in Spain, for example, are part of coalitions, showing a mix of old Left politics²².

The role of populist parties in elections will depend on their success in using national identity, economic protection, and dissatisfaction with mainstream politics.

While some might lose faith in populist parties, it’s unlikely soon. Their strong support and anti-establishment message will keep them appealing²¹.

Populism and Democracy

In recent years, the mix of democracy and populism has brought many challenges. Populist movements worldwide have shown big problems in our current democratic systems. This has led to a weakening of democratic norms and practices.

Challenges to Democratic Norms

The world has seen a decline in freedom and democracy starting around 2006-2007. This marked the end of a quarter-century of growth in electoral and liberal democracy, and political rights²³. Over eleven years, more countries have seen freedom decline than gain it, reversing the post-Cold War trends²³. Now, the failure rate of democracies is near 15 percent, a big jump from previous decades²³

Populist leaders often use anti-establishment speeches, which challenge democracy. They can harm political diversity and the checks on power. Most democratic failures now come from gradual moves towards authoritarianism, not coups²³. Countries like South Africa, Botswana, Mongolia, and Brazil have also seen democracy erode²³. This shows we need strong plans to fix these issues.

Prospects for Democratic Renewal

Despite these problems, there’s hope for making democracy better. We need clear plans to rebuild trust in our institutions. For example, in the U.S., starting to trust government again could help. Only about one in five Americans trust their government now²³.

Also, making Congress more trusted is key. Right now, less than ten percent of Americans have faith in Congress²³.

Fixing economic inequality is also vital for democracy’s health. The top one percent in the U.S. now has over twenty percent of the income, up from ten percent in 1979²³. The 2008 financial crisis has left many feeling insecure, making them more open to populist ideas²³.

In Europe, the rise of populist parties like Italy’s Five Star Movement and the Czech Republic’s ANO party shows we need better plans²⁴. Hungary’s “illiberal democracy” under Viktor Orbán is a worrying trend for Poland’s Law and Justice party²⁴.

Fixing the core issues of populism and strengthening democracy’s values is our goal. By doing this, we can keep or get back our democratic stability. It’s not just a political need but a critical task for democracy’s survival today.

The Surge of Populism in Times of Crisis

In recent decades, we’ve seen a clear link between crisis populism and instability. Events like the 2008 financial crisis and the global pandemic have boosted populist feelings worldwide. We’ll look into how these tough times have changed politics and trust in society.

Case of the 2008 Financial Crisis

The 2008 crisis caused big economic problems, leading to high job losses and financial worries. Populist feelings grew in Europe, with more distrust in government and institutions. Studies show that job losses can make people more likely to support populist ideas²⁵.

Also, new anti-establishment parties started to grow, while old social democratic parties lost support²⁵. This shows how economic troubles can push people towards populist movements.

Global Pandemic and Populist Responses

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how crises and populism are linked. Populist leaders used the pandemic to push their agendas, often attacking the current government. In Germany, the AfD got 12.6% of the vote in 2017, showing growing distrust in traditional parties²⁶.

In Austria, the Freedom Party got 26% of the vote in 2017, up from 20.5% before²⁶. These examples show how crises can help populist ideas grow and change politics.

It’s also clear that job losses and economic worries can make people lose trust in politics. Data from 2000 to 2014 shows that economic troubles can hurt trust in government, more so for those without college degrees²⁵. This pattern is seen across different groups, with older people being more affected during crises²⁵. Populist leaders have used these feelings to their benefit.

Financial crises and the pandemic have shown the big impact of hard times on populist movements. By studying these periods, we understand how crisis populism changes politics around the world.

Critiques and Support for Populism

Exploring the world of populism, we see both sides of the argument. Some see it as a threat to democracy, while others believe it’s a needed change. Populism is often criticized for its divisive nature and challenge to democratic norms. Critics say it uses cultural and identity issues to create division and hinder institutions.

Common Criticisms

Many argue that populism harms political stability and social unity. Research links racial hostility to voting for populist leaders like Donald Trump¹⁹. Populist movements are also accused of playing on economic fears, even though they don’t really solve economic problems¹⁹.

In Europe, high youth unemployment has fueled populist sentiments². Life expectancy drops, mainly among the poor and immigrants, making people unhappy with current politics². Populist parties tap into these feelings, promising to address regional and economic disparities².

Arguments in Favor

Supporters see populism as a way to tackle economic and cultural issues ignored by traditional parties. Populist leaders are seen as fighting for the common good, pushing for fair economic policies and national sovereignty. Cultural attitudes, like racial inequality, are linked to voting for populists¹⁹.

Proponents believe populism brings important issues to the forefront. It highlights economic inequality and the decline of blue-collar jobs in the US². Populist movements aim to reform and help those left behind, reducing welfare dependency².

In conclusion, the debate around populism is complex. It involves economic, cultural, and identity factors. Whether seen as a threat or a necessary change, populism shapes today’s politics in big ways.

Conclusion

Populism has changed the world of politics in big ways. It has shaped history, from the Know Nothings to Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump. Populism pops up when people feel unsure about their future²⁷.

Studying populism helps us understand today’s politics better²⁸. It shows us how important it is to keep learning about it.

Populist movements are fueled by many things, like money gaps and cultural differences. Social media also plays a big role. Leaders like Marine Le Pen and Brexit show how populism changes the world³.

These movements make us think about what’s causing public anger and division²⁸.

Populism affects us in many ways, from money to politics. It’s key to understand its role in today’s democracies. We must tackle the root causes of populism to deal with global politics’ challenges²⁸³.