Populism is not a new phenomenon, but it has been on an upward trend during the past decade, with the most notable examples being Donald Trump, the UK Brexit campaign, and the recent wins in some European countries’ parliaments. Other examples that will be discussed in this paper are El Salvador’s President Salvador Nayib Bukele and Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban. When analyzing on a worldwide scale, we can attribute the rise of populism to several possible triggers, such as the increase of social media, globalization, the augmentation of inclusivity, and the refugee crisis. On a country-to-country scale, the causes may be more specific, but these are the main causes of the rise of populism since they occurred globally (Gust et al. 5-6). Donald Trump’s win in 2016 also significantly impacted the global rise of populism, as many ‘strong man’ leaders and populist allies felt emboldened by his presidency (Gust et al. 5-6). This paper will seek to provide clarity on why populism has increased dramatically in recent years and provide advice on how we can protect democratic institutions. I will begin by providing a definition of populism and analyzing research on the causes & effects of populism around the world. Examples of key populists from 3 different areas of the world will then be discussed. Finally, I will end this paper with a brief discussion about how we navigate this evolving world of politics and recommendations of things that we can do to safeguard our minds from populist rhetoric.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Causes & Effects
3. Nayib Bukele
4. Victor Orbán
5. Donald Trump
6. Conclusion
Project Goals and Key Topics
The primary goal of this paper is to analyze the dramatic global rise of populism in recent years by examining its causes, its sociopolitical impacts, and the specific strategies employed by various world leaders, ultimately providing recommendations on how to safeguard democratic institutions from populist erosion.
- Analysis of the triggers for global populism, including social media, globalization, and crises.
- Evaluation of the negative impacts of populism, such as economic decline and democratic erosion.
- Case studies on the populist leadership styles of Nayib Bukele, Viktor Orbán, and Donald Trump.
- The relationship between populist rhetoric and the transition toward authoritarianism or fascism.
- Strategies for protecting civil society and democratic norms against "us vs. them" narratives.
Excerpt from the Book
Causes & Effects
Many things can spark populism, but the most common is in times of crisis. Historically, this was after WWI, when Germany underwent extreme inflation and many other hardships. The Germans, searching for hope after being debt-sunken by the First World War, elected Hitler due to his charismatic speech and economic promises. Hitler ultimately evolved into an extreme fascist, but he began as a populist (Lilleslåtten). Nowadays, we can look to several crises as possible launching pads for populists; COVID-19, worldwide inflation, the refugee crisis, the Russia vs. Ukraine war, and the genocide happening in Gaza. Though they don’t always affect populations directly, the fact that many crises are currently happening is enough to spark fear among citizens, making them susceptible to populist rhetoric. Another main cause of populism is a generalized discontent or distrust in the current government system. This leads the citizens to favor a more extreme leader they feel can create needed change (Britannica). In our modern world, populism can also be a response to globalization. As globalization increases, people can begin to fear losing their culture, leading them to believe xenophobic ideas and us vs. them narratives (Britannica).
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: Presents the scope of the rise of populism worldwide and outlines the purpose of examining specific leaders and causes to understand the threat to democratic institutions.
2. Causes & Effects: Discusses how crises, distrust in government, and globalization trigger populism, and explains its often negative impacts on economic growth and democratic norms.
3. Nayib Bukele: Examines El Salvador’s president and his unique populist style, specifically focusing on his mass incarceration tactics and media manipulation.
4. Victor Orbán: Analyzes the Hungarian Prime Minister’s methods of consolidating power by rewriting the constitution, attacking the press, and utilizing anti-immigration rhetoric.
5. Donald Trump: Reviews the manifestation of populism in the United States, highlighting the use of "us vs. them" messaging and the polarization of public opinion during his presidency.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes the threat posed by populist narratives to democracy while emphasizing that civil society and established government systems remain essential for the defense of human rights.
Key Terms
Populism, Authoritarianism, Democracy, Polarization, Globalization, Nationalism, Checks and Balances, Civil Society, Rhetoric, Fascism, Media Manipulation, Democratic Institutions, Migration, Human Rights, Economic Crises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research paper?
The paper explores the global surge in authoritarian populism, examining how it has manifested in different countries and investigating its overall impact on democratic systems.
Which thematic areas does the author address?
The text focuses on the triggers of populism, the correlation between populist governance and economic decline, the manipulation of democratic norms, and the role of international leadership examples.
What is the primary goal of this analysis?
The goal is to clarify why populism has grown so rapidly in recent years and to offer insights into protecting democratic institutions from the influence of populist rhetoric.
Which scientific method is utilized in the paper?
The paper utilizes a qualitative comparative analysis of case studies and integrates existing academic research and political studies to evaluate the performance and strategies of populist leaders.
What topics are covered in the main body of the paper?
The main body details the root causes of populism, provides specific case studies of leaders in El Salvador, Hungary, and the United States, and discusses the potential shift from populism to fascism.
Which keywords define this work?
Key concepts include populism, democratic erosion, authoritarianism, globalization, polarization, and civil society.
How does the author define the relationship between populist leaders and the media?
The author highlights that populists often attempt to manipulate, restricted, or delegitimize media outlets to limit critical coverage and maintain a positive narrative among their supporters.
What distinguishes the leadership approaches of the studied figures?
While all three utilize populist rhetoric, Bukele relies on mass incarceration, Orbán focuses on constitutional and structural changes, and Trump utilizes polarizing "us vs. them" messaging within a established democracy.
- Quote paper
- N. Hammons (Author), 2024, The Rise of Authoritarian Populism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1585507
