Populism is a political approach used by politicians aiming to appeal to ordinary people who feel their concerns are neglected by established elite groups. Populist politicians position themselves in opposition to these elites.
Found across both left- and right-wing movements, populism often centers on a narrative of "the people" being oppressed by elites, which is leveraged for political gain. While the specific forms populism takes today may differ, its core foundation—anti-elite rhetoric and an appeal to the common person—remains consistent.
Historically, populism has manifested in various movements and figures, with a clear shift from left to right over time. There is a distinct difference between left-center and right-wing populism, reflecting the diverse ways populism is utilized to address different political, economic, and cultural concerns.
Populism: Left vs. Right
For a basic left v right binary visual clarification here
In a nutshell ; Right-wing populism evokes fear speaking to the people, while left-wing populism evokes hope speaking for the people.
Left-wing Populism
Genuine left-wing, anti-capitalist populism in Europe, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, has typically rejected capitalism in its entirety, advocating for revolutionary change rather than gradual reform. Movements such as the POUM during the Spanish Civil War, the Italian Autonomists, the French May '68 uprisings, and groups like the Militant Tendency in the UK are radical examples of left-wing populism. These movements aimed to overthrow capitalist systems in favor of socialist or anarchist alternatives, emphasizing workers' control, collective ownership, and the abolition of class divisions.
Historically, left-wing populism has arisen as a response to the economic inequalities generated by capitalism. While some movements are reformist in nature (such as certain factions of SYRIZA or Podemos), others call for revolutionary change (like the POUM or the Autonomists). When left-wing populism challenges capitalism, it advocates for far more radical transformation than the moderate reforms typically proposed by center-left parties.
Rather than focusing on "elites," left-wing populism targets the capitalists—those who privately control the means of production. These individuals are often collectively referred to as the "ruling class," though the term "elite" is not commonly used in this context. Instead, the focus is on class struggle: workers versus capitalists. While elites are typically seen as those with special privileges, socialists view capitalists as those who hold power through private property rather than privilege.
In a socialist system, even individuals like mothers or unemployed workers would still be considered part of the working class. The critique centers on an economic system that is rigged against the common worker, not merely against individuals. Socialism, with its call for the common ownership of production, distribution, and exchange, is inherently tied to empowering the common people. While it may align with populist discourse, it does not pit workers against "elites" in the traditional sense.
Centre Populism
Often, what is referred to as "left-wing populism" in modern political discourse tends to align more with center or even center-right positions, largely due to the absence of true left-wing, anti-capitalist parties. Center-wing populism typically emphasizes addressing systemic economic inequality, advocating for policies like wealth redistribution, labor rights, and economic reforms aimed at achieving a fairer distribution of resources. Like their left-wing counterparts, center populists often target large corporations, financial elites, and an economic system they see as rigged against the common person. While their rhetoric may overlap with more traditional left-wing populism, their focus tends to be on tangible issues like wages, healthcare, and affordable housing, rather than seeking to overthrow the capitalist system itself.
Right-Wing Populism
Right-wing populism, on the other hand, typically focuses on cultural and identity-based issues, often fueled by a perceived threat to national unity. Right-wing populism presents an "us vs. them" narrative, where "the people" are framed against a perceived enemy—whether external (such as immigrants or foreign powers) or internal (such as elites in government or the media). This form of populism is heavily tied to nationalism, immigration restrictions, and social conservatism. While economic issues such as trade might be addressed, they are typically framed in terms of protecting national identity or "traditional values," rather than addressing class or wealth inequalities.
This article breaks populism into 4 categories .
A really long wiki article
USA
It is easier to see the trajectory of populism from the left to the right and the defining differences in USA. And compare left from right in the modern 21st century
In the context of American politics, the term "populist" is often associated with the People's Party of the late 19th century, especially in the wake of the agrarian movement. However, populism in the U.S. can be traced back earlier.
Andrew Jackson and the Jacksonian Democrats One of the earliest examples of populist sentiment in the United States can be found with the Jacksonian Democrats in the early 19th century, led by President Andrew Jackson. Jackson’s populism was centered on appealing to the "common man" against the elites, particularly in the context of the Bank of the United States and perceived aristocratic power. His rise to power was largely due to his opposition to concentrated wealth and political privilege, key features of populist rhetoric. Jackson’s administration embodied a populist approach by pushing for policies that favored the working-class citizens against the interests of the political and economic elite.
Farmers' Alliances and the Agrarian Movement Following Jackson’s era, the Farmers' Alliances that emerged in the late 19th century also played a pivotal role in shaping early U.S. populism. Farmers felt increasingly marginalized by the rise of industrialization, railroad monopolies, and economic policies like the gold standard. They sought to address economic exploitation by advocating for reforms like regulating railroads, limiting interest rates, and implementing monetary reforms to help alleviate debts. These concerns culminated in the formation of the People’s Populist Party.
The People’s Populist Party (1891-1896) The Populist Party, often referred to as the People's Party, was formed as a political representation of the agricultural sector, primarily in the South and West. The People's Party, led by figures like James B. Weaver, campaigned on a platform of economic reform that included the free coinage of silver, government regulation of railroads, land reform, and direct democracy through the direct election of senators. Their platform aimed at combating the concentration of wealth and political power in the hands of elites and empowering the working class through political and economic reforms. In the 1892 presidential election, Weaver won significant popular support, taking 8.5% of the vote and securing victories in several states like Colorado, Idaho, and Kansas.
The Progressive Movement (Early 20th Century) In the early 20th century, the Progressive Movement emerged as a response to the social and economic changes wrought by industrialization. It attracted support from middle-class professionals, intellectuals, and reform-minded business leaders. While the Populist Party had focused on rural struggles, Progressives took aim at the issues facing urban America. They campaigned against poverty, child labor, and poor working conditions, while advocating for antitrust laws and corporate regulation. They also pushed for political reforms such as the direct election of senators, initiative, referendum, recall, women’s suffrage, and conservation efforts.
Overlaps Between the Populist Party and the Progressive Movement Both movements shared concerns over the concentration of power in the hands of corporations and monopolies. They both advocated for government regulation to curb corporate influence and called for reforms to improve political participation, such as the direct election of senators. Additionally, both movements supported labor rights and sought to address economic inequality, though the focus of each was somewhat different. The Populists focused more on the struggles of rural communities, while the Progressives concentrated on urban issues.
Differences Between the Populist Party and the Progressive Movement Despite some shared goals, the Populist Party and the Progressive Movement were distinct in several key ways. The Populists were largely a rural, agrarian movement, emphasizing monetary policy, land reform, and agricultural interests. The Progressives, in contrast, were predominantly urban and middle-class, focusing on industrial regulation, social justice, and urban reform. Politically, the Populists were more radical and often worked outside the established system, while the Progressives were more willing to work within the existing political structure. The Populists struggled to build alliances across racial lines, whereas Progressives largely ignored racial inequality in their early efforts.
Public Opinion and the Disconnect from Political Action Polling data from the era reveal strong public support for many of the Progressive policies, even though many of these reforms were not fully implemented at the federal level. This disconnect between public sentiment and political action highlights the influence of various interest groups and the complexities of American politics.
The Transformation to Right-Wing Populism
The shift toward right-wing populism became more evident in the 1960s and 1970s, especially with the rise of figures like Richard Nixon and his Southern Strategy. Nixon capitalized on white backlash against the Civil Rights Movement by framing his political message in terms that appealed to working-class whites, using populist rhetoric focused on issues like law and order, anti-communism, and nationalism. His strategy sought to win over disillusioned voters who felt alienated by the Democratic Party's support for civil rights and desegregation.
Nixon’s rhetoric was increasingly directed at white voters in the South and beyond, tapping into racial anxieties and emphasizing cultural conservatism. His “War on Drugs” also became a populist tool, used to solidify conservative support while simultaneously targeting minority communities, particularly African Americans. This marked a shift in populism from the traditional economic focus of earlier movements to a cultural and identity-based politics that sought to create divisions between "the people" and various internal and external enemies, such as immigrants and the perceived liberal elite.
Right-Wing Populism and Identity Politics
Today, right-wing populism focuses on identity-based issues, portraying “the people” as a majority threatened by immigrants, foreign powers, or internal elites. This populism emphasizes nationalism, immigration restrictions, and social conservatism. Economic issues like trade are framed around national identity, not class or wealth disparities.
Neoliberalism's Failures and Populist Rhetoric
Populists like Trump capitalize on dissatisfaction without challenging neoliberalism’s root causes. Neoliberal policies—deregulation, privatization, and reduced government intervention—have worsened income inequality and public services. Trump's promises, like tax cuts and protectionist trade deals, did not address these issues but reinforced the same systems that hurt working people.
Cultural Division and Distracting from Real Issues
Right-wing populism thrives by focusing on cultural battles—anti-immigrant sentiment, nationalism, and social conservatism. This distracts from economic issues like wage stagnation and inequality. By blaming elites and immigrants, populists like Trump divert attention from the real causes of economic hardship, offering only symbolic changes rather than structural solutions.
In Contrast Bernie Sanders offers Centrist Populism
In contrast, Bernie Sanders and other modern left-wing populists, like Elizabeth Warren, have built their political platforms around addressing economic inequality and promoting social justice. They challenge the existing neoliberal system by advocating for policies designed to benefit the working class and marginalized communities , things that the people want . Sanders, in particular, has made Medicare for All one of his signature proposals, aiming to provide universal healthcare to all Americans, ensuring that no one is left behind due to the prohibitive cost of medical care. He also champions taxing the rich at higher rates, calling for a progressive tax structure that demands greater contributions from the wealthiest individuals and corporations, in stark contrast to the tax cuts championed by right-wing populists. Another cornerstone of Sanders’ platform is student debt forgiveness, a policy aimed at alleviating the crushing burden of student loans that affects millions of young Americans, thereby allowing them to build a more secure financial future.
Sanders’ brand of populism is deeply rooted in his critique of the economic elites and the corporate class that he argues have disproportionately accumulated wealth and power, often at the expense of the working people. He emphasizes the need for systemic change, advocating for policies that redistribute wealth and create a fairer society. Unlike right-wing populists who often use divisive rhetoric to distract from economic issues, Sanders focuses on uniting people from different backgrounds to demand economic justice and equal opportunity. His calls for universal healthcare, affordable education, and a livable wage are framed as fundamental rights, highlighting the importance of putting people over profit and tackling the systems that perpetuate inequality. In essence, Sanders and other left-wing populists offer a vision that prioritizes the many over the few, seeking to create an economy that serves the needs of ordinary people rather than the wealthy elite.
The Democratic Party's themselves being just as much establishment as the publican party showed their contempt to the people by their selfishness to protect themselves and those who fund them as evident in their decision to sidelining Bernie Sanders in favor of the establishment candidate, Hillary Clinton, during the 2016 primaries, effectively undermining a populist challenge to neoliberalism and paving the way for Donald Trump's victory by alienating a significant portion of their base.
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Europe
Populism is not confined to a single country or era and has emerged in various forms throughout history, including across Europe before and after Adolf Hitler's rise to power. Typically, populism is a response to perceived social, economic, or political elites, presenting itself as a movement for "the people" against these elites. In Europe, as in the United States, populism has shifted from left to right, reaching its extreme with Hitler but continuing to manifest in far-right parties today.
Early Left Wing Populism in Europe
Movements in Europe that also used populist rhetoric to rally support from the masses. Here are some of the key examples:
1. Germany – The German Peasants' War (1524–1525)
Germany saw one of the largest and most significant peasant uprisings in the early 16th century. The German Peasants' War was fueled by grievances over feudal exploitation, and the rebels used religious and populist rhetoric to challenge the ruling class. While the movement was ultimately crushed, it can be seen as an early example of populism, as it sought to overturn social and economic hierarchies in favor of the common people.
2. France – The French Revolution (Late 18th Century)
The French Revolution (1789-1799) can be considered an early example of populism, particularly in its call to overthrow the aristocracy and empower the common people. Revolutionary leaders, like Robespierre and the sans-culottes (working-class radicals), used populist rhetoric to challenge the existing power structures. The Revolution called for "liberty, equality, fraternity," which appealed to the masses and was framed as a battle against elite privilege. However, the movement evolved into something more authoritarian during the Reign of Terror.
3. United Kingdom – Chartist Movement (1830s–1840s)
In the UK, the Chartist movement was one of the first mass populist movements. Chartism was a working-class political movement that pushed for democratic reforms, such as universal suffrage, the right to vote for all men, and equal representation. The movement was driven by the belief that the political system was rigged against the common people, especially the working class. Though it wasn't as extreme as later forms of populism, it laid the groundwork for the idea that the political elite should be challenged by the "people."
4. Spain – Carlist Wars (1833–1876)
The Carlist Wars were a series of civil wars in Spain, but they also had populist elements, particularly the way they mobilized rural and working-class people. The Carlists, led by supporters of the traditionalist and monarchist cause, framed their opposition to the liberal, centralizing Spanish government as a defense of the common people, the peasantry, and local traditions against the elite forces of modernity.
Left-wing populism, when it's genuinely anticapitalist, tends to aim at transforming or dismantling capitalist systems rather than trying to reform them within the current framework. These movements emphasize class struggle, workers' rights, and often aim at redistributing power from the economic elites to the working class.
5. The Spanish Civil War and the POUM (Partido Obrero de Unificación Marxista)
During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), one of the key factions on the left was the POUM (Workers' Party of Marxist Unification), a revolutionary socialist party. The POUM was critical of both the capitalist system and Stalinism, advocating for a direct overthrow of capitalism in favor of workers' control. Though the party's direct influence was limited and ultimately overshadowed by the larger influence of the Spanish Communist Party (which had a more reformist, pro-Soviet stance), the POUM represented a more radical, anticapitalist vision within the broader left-wing struggle against fascism.
The anarchist influence in the Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (CNT), which was a major force during the Civil War, also fits into this anticapitalist framework, as anarchists seek to abolish capitalism entirely in favor of a society organized through voluntary cooperation and direct democracy.
6. The Italian Autonomists and Worker Movements
In Italy, particularly in the 1960s through the 1970s, the Autonomist left emerged, which sought to overthrow capitalism through direct action, labor strikes, and the occupation of factories. The Autonomia Operaia (Workers' Autonomy) movement was a key example of this more radical approach. Autonomists rejected both traditional social democracy and the Soviet model, instead advocating for self-managed workplaces, direct action against capitalist institutions, and the dismantling of the capitalist state. Their activities often involved street protests, factory occupations, and armed resistance against the police.
While Autonomism was never a major electoral force, it was deeply influential in shaping radical leftist politics in Europe. Groups like Potere Operaio (Workers' Power) were direct participants in these movements, and they called for a fundamental transformation of society—not just reforms to make capitalism more equitable, but for its complete dismantling.
Current Left-Wing Populism
7. Spain – Podemos
In recent years, Spain's Podemos party has emerged as a notable example of left-wing populism. Born out of the anti-austerity protests in 2011, it focuses on economic equality, fighting corruption, and challenging traditional political elites. Podemos channels discontent with the political establishment, particularly around issues like austerity and economic injustice, positioning itself as a voice for ordinary people against the elites.
While the populist rhetoric of "the people" versus the "elite" is central to Podemos, it has faced criticism from more radical factions for not being bold enough in dismantling capitalism. Nevertheless, it represents a significant strand of left-wing populism that critiques capitalism.
8. Greece – SYRIZA and the Anti-Austerity Movement
SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left), formed in 2012 in Greece, is more associated with left-wing populism that seeks reforms within the capitalist system, such as challenging austerity measures during the financial crisis. However, its more radical factions—especially the breakaway Popular Unity—embrace a more anticapitalist stance. These factions advocate for Greece to exit the European Union and the eurozone, pushing for direct action to dismantle neoliberal capitalism and introduce a more radical, socialist economic model.
Despite this, SYRIZA as a whole had to moderate its anticapitalist agenda due to the political realities of governing within the constraints of EU institutions. Nonetheless, during the 2015 elections, SYRIZA's populist rhetoric appealed to ordinary Greeks against the European elite, staying true to the core tenets of left-wing populism.
The rise of SYRIZA in Greece, and to a lesser extent Podemos in Spain, shows both similarities and key differences from the populist radical right. While both share a pro-people, anti-elite sentiment, Podemos and SYRIZA are rooted in the radical left, both ideologically and culturally.
Note
SYRIZA and Podemos, while often associated with left-wing populism, because of some of the left wing parties in the coalition and their rhetoric theres also moderates in there . And , they frequently adopt centrist, reformist policies and actions.
Right Wing Populism in the 20th Century Europe Before and After Hitler
France – The Action Française (Early 20th Century)
The Action Française was a far-right political movement in France that arose in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Though not populist in the modern sense, it had some elements that would later become characteristic of populism. The group promoted nationalism, anti-republicanism, and anti-communism, framing itself as the defender of "the people" against perceived enemies like the Jewish elite, foreigners, and the political establishment. It had some similarities to the fascist and populist movements that would emerge later, including the use of mass rallies and a focus on national unity.
Italy – Benito Mussolini (Fascist Populism)
Benito Mussolini, who came to power in Italy in the early 1920s, was another prominent example of populism, though in a more authoritarian and fascist form. Mussolini’s fascist movement was grounded in populist rhetoric, claiming to represent the people against the elites and the establishment. Mussolini used mass rallies and state propaganda to present himself as a strongman for the people, and his appeal to national pride and the restoration of Italy’s former greatness resonated with many Italians disillusioned by political instability after World War I.
Germany – Hitler and Nazi Populism (1930s)
Adolf Hitler's rise to power in Germany in the early 1930s is often seen as a culmination of populist rhetoric taken to extreme and violent measures. Hitler's National Socialist Party (Nazi Party) presented itself as the true representative of the German people, portraying Jews, communists, and other perceived enemies as the source of Germany's problems. His message of national renewal, focusing on the notion of a superior "Aryan" race, and promises to overturn the Treaty of Versailles, resonated with many Germans who were suffering from economic hardship and national humiliation after World War I.
Hitler’s populism wasn't just about economic or political issues; it was also heavily tied to cultural and racial identity, which made it more dangerous and extreme. The Nazi Party used mass propaganda, rallies, and scapegoating to rally ordinary Germans to their cause, creating an "us vs. them" mentality and mobilizing the population in support of his authoritarian regime.
Hitler's populism, however, was deeply racial and authoritarian, focusing on national identity, scapegoating, and a violent desire to restructure society. It remains one of the most extreme and damaging forms of populism in history.
Post-WWII Europe: Populism's Rise rise on the far right
After World War II, populism took various forms in Europe, but in many cases, it was less about mass movements of the type seen in the early 20th century and more about smaller, often far-right or far-left groups appealing to disaffected segments of society.
France – The Front National (FN)
In the latter half of the 20th century, France saw the rise of the Front National, led by Jean-Marie Le Pen. The FN's populism was built around a nationalist, anti-immigrant agenda, positioning itself as the defender of France and its people against a corrupt political elite. The party has continued to focus on cultural and identity issues, such as immigration and European Union skepticism, drawing support from those disillusioned with traditional political parties.
Italy – Northern League (Lega Nord)
The Lega Nord (Northern League) formed 1991 in Italy is another example of populism, focusing on regional autonomy for the wealthy northern regions of Italy, but also using anti-immigrant rhetoric and anti-EU sentiments. The party has framed itself as the voice of ordinary Italians, particularly those who feel neglected by the political elite in Rome.
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