populism b

What is populism?

Politics dividing society into ‘the people’ versus ‘the elite’.

How do populists portray ‘the people’ and ‘the elite’?

Ordinary citizens are ignored; elites are portrayed as corrupt or self-serving.

What are populism’s three oppositional themes?

Anti-elite, anti-institution and anti-globalisation.

What three causes help explain populism’s rise?

Economic insecurity, increased movement of people and perceived erosion of traditional cultural values.

How can economic insecurity fuel populism?

Job losses, stagnant wages and inequality create resentment towards economic and political elites.

How can migration fuel populism?

Leaders portray migrants as threats to jobs, security and national identity.

How can cultural insecurity fuel populism?

Some voters feel traditional religious, family and national values are being displaced.

What are populist leaders’ interests?

Goals such as gaining power, protecting national identity, controlling borders or promoting sovereignty.

What shapes a populist leader’s perspective?

Their beliefs, values, ideology, personal experiences and social context.

What does ‘America First’ reveal about Trump?

Economic nationalism and protectionism prioritising US interests over international cooperation.

How did Trump present himself as an outsider?

‘Drain the Swamp’ portrayed Washington’s political establishment as corrupt.

What did ‘Make America Great Again’ appeal to?

Nostalgia for past American power and prosperity, alongside declining national pride.

Which voters strongly supported Trump?

Many white, working-class, rural and non-college-educated voters feeling left behind by globalisation.

How did Trump challenge democratic stability?

His stolen-election claims undermined electoral trust and intensified political polarisation.

How did Trump’s foreign policy challenge global cooperation?

He withdrew from major agreements, threatened alliances and imposed tariffs on Chinese imports.

What are Marine Le Pen’s key political interests?

French sovereignty, protectionism, tighter borders and opposition to globalisation.

How does Le Pen portray France’s elites?

She presents elites in Paris and Brussels as detached from ordinary French citizens.

Which voters support Le Pen?

Many working-class, rural and economically marginalised voters dissatisfied with mainstream parties.

How does Le Pen challenge globalisation?

She criticises EU influence, free movement and international arrangements she sees as threats to France.

How does Le Pen use nationalism and identity?

She links French identity and sovereignty to immigration controls and resistance to multiculturalism.

How has Le Pen affected French political stability?

She weakened traditional parties and normalised nationalist, anti-EU and anti-immigration debate.

What is a key difference between Trump and Le Pen’s positions of power?

Trump became US president; Le Pen reached presidential run-offs but has not held national office.

What is a key similarity between Trump and Le Pen?

Both use nationalism and anti-elite rhetoric to appeal to voters who feel ignored.

How can populism increase political participation?

It can mobilise voters who feel ignored by traditional parties and political institutions.

How can populism weaken democracy?

Attacks on courts, media and electoral processes can undermine checks, balances and public trust.

What is the difference between national sovereignty and globalisation?

Sovereignty prioritises national control; globalisation increases cross-border economic and political integration.

How did Viktor Orbán challenge democratic norms?

His government was accused of eroding judicial independence and restricting media and academic freedoms.

What characterised Jair Bolsonaro’s populism?

Nationalism, conservative values, law-and-order rhetoric and attacks on scientific advice.

How did Narendra Modi’s leadership challenge liberal democracy?

The slides identify restrictions on opposition, concerns about judicial independence and targeting of Muslim minorities.

What were the effects of Rodrigo Duterte’s leadership?

His war on drugs weakened rule of law, press freedom and human rights.

Who is Giorgia Meloni?

Italy’s prime minister and leader of the right-wing Brothers of Italy party.

How does Meloni use populist rhetoric?

She presents herself as defending ordinary Italians against political and European elites.

What are Meloni’s key political interests?

National identity, traditional values, stricter migration policies and Italian sovereignty.

How does Meloni approach immigration?

She advocates stricter border controls and limits on irregular migration.

How does Meloni compare with Trump and Le Pen?

All use nationalism and anti-elite rhetoric, but Meloni governs Italy.

Who is Zohran Mamdani?

A democratic socialist who became New York City mayor in January 2026.

What are Mamdani’s main political interests?

Reducing living costs, expanding affordable housing and improving public services.

How does Mamdani use populism?

He argues that working people are ignored by wealthy elites and established politicians.

Which voters support Mamdani?

Many younger voters and people concerned about housing costs and inequality.

How does Mamdani compare with Trump and Le Pen?

All challenge established elites; Mamdani stresses economic equality, while Trump and Le Pen stress nationalism and immigration.