Populism: A Very Short Introduction

Imagine a world where politics is distilled to a profound moral struggle, where society is split into two camps: the pure, virtuous people and the corrupt, self-serving elite. This is the essence of populism, an ideology that, while thin in its doctrinal content, carries a powerful narrative that resonates across continents and cultures. Populism is not a monolith; it is a contested and often misunderstood concept. Some see it as a battle cry for the disenfranchised, while others brand it as a dangerous simplification, a tool wielded by demagogues. Yet, at its core, populism hinges on this fundamental dichotomy: a championing of the people against an elite perceived as illegitimate and disconnected.

What makes populism particularly fascinating is its flexibility. The term 'the people' is deliberately vague, an 'empty signifier' that can be filled with different meanings depending on context—be it the common folk, the sovereign citizens, or a national community. This malleability allows populism to unite diverse groups under a shared identity, a collective 'we' that stands in opposition to a corrupt 'they.' Such a construction is both its strength and its challenge, for it invites endless interpretations and applications.

Unlike ideologies such as socialism or liberalism, populism is considered a 'thin-centered ideology.' It offers a skeletal framework—a moral division and a claim to represent the general will of the people—but it must attach itself to other, more substantive ideologies to flesh out its political program. This explains why populism can appear in left-wing, right-wing, nationalist, or even neoliberal guises, adapting to the social and political environment in which it arises.

Examples abound: from the agrarian populists who rallied farmers against industrial elites in 19th-century America, to contemporary leaders who claim to embody the voice of the forgotten masses. Each iteration reflects a unique interpretation of who 'the people' and 'the elite' are, shaped by history, culture, and circumstance. Yet, the moral narrative remains constant, a call to reclaim politics for the people and to expose the elite’s corruption.

This understanding of populism sets the stage for exploring its manifestations around the world, its modes of mobilization, and its complex dance with democracy. As we move forward, we will journey through the diverse landscapes where populism has taken root, discovering how this thin ideology has shaped, and been shaped by, the political cultures it inhabits.

Let us now turn to the global panorama of populism and see how this ideology has blossomed in different soils, from the Americas to Europe and beyond.