Populism Flashcards
Define populism
- a perspective that advocates putting power in the hands of the people rather than elites who control society
- views the elites (politicians, corporate executives) as corrupt
What are the main ideas of populism?
- government should reflect the will of the people
- criticizes political parties for creating artificial divisions among the people to advance their selfish interests
- favours a democracy in which the people will determine the actions of government through certain initiatives
What is an example of populism in the US.
Bernie Sanders, who sought the Democratic presidential nomination could be described as populist as he focused on economic equality and attacked the influence of the wealthy 1 percent
Define left-wing populism
- tends to attack the wealthy and large corporations
- advocates for policies that will benefit the poor and working class
Define right-wing populism
- tends to attack foreigners and those who are from a different ethnic group or race other than the dominant group
- also attacks those with unconventional gender identities
What is an example of populism in Canada?
In 1920, the National Progressive Party was formed, who was critical of the domination of politics by big businesses
What is an example of populism in Europe?
many parties in Europe could be viewed as right-wing populists, such as the Party for Freedom in the Netherlands which promised “de-Islamization” and closed all mosques and Islamic schools
What is an example of left-wing populism in Europe?
The Five-Star movement in Italy began as a protest opposing corrupt politicians and expressed dissatisfaction with the established political parties
What is an example of an authoritarian version of populism?
In Hungary, where prime minister Victor Orbán established what he called an “illiberal democracy” in which the electoral system favoured the governing party
