What Is Populism?
Defining one of the most used — and misused — terms in modern politics, and understanding what makes populism distinct from other political ideologies.
The People vs. The Elite
Populism, at its core, is a political logic that divides society into two homogeneous groups: 'the pure people' and 'the corrupt elite.' The populist claims to speak for the authentic will of the people against an establishment that has betrayed them. This framework appears across the political spectrum — left-wing populists target economic elites (billionaires, corporations), while right-wing populists target cultural elites (media, universities, 'globalists').
Political scientist Cas Mudde defines populism as a 'thin-centered ideology' — it provides a framework for dividing the world but does not offer a complete policy program. This is why populism always attaches to a 'host ideology': nationalism, socialism, nativism, or others. Populism is not inherently antidemocratic — it claims to be the truest form of democracy. But it becomes dangerous when 'the will of the people' is used to override institutions, minority rights, and the rule of law.