Definition
Populist movements claim to represent the authentic people against powerful institutions, experts, parties, corporations, or cultural elites. Populism can appear on the left, right, or outside conventional ideological categories.
Political Dictionary
Populism
Populism is a political style that portrays politics as a struggle between ordinary people and a corrupt elite.
Why It Matters
It influences party systems, rhetoric, institutional trust, and political polarization.
How It Works
Populist leaders use direct appeals, mass rallies, simple contrasts, and attacks on intermediaries.
History
Populist movements have appeared repeatedly in U.S. and world history, including agrarian, nationalist, and anti-establishment forms.
Example
A candidate may argue that entrenched elites have ignored working families.
Common Misconceptions
- Populism belongs only to one side of politics.
- Every popular policy is populist.
- Populism always produces authoritarian government.
Related Terms
Related Topics
See Also