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Populism summary
Cas Mudde
Cristóbal Rovira Kaltwasser
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15 mins
Brief summary
'Populism' by Cas Mudde and Cristóbal Rovira Kaltwasser analyzes the rise of populism in modern politics. The authors discuss the defining traits of populism and its impact on democracy.
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Populism
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Populism is a political phenomenon in which the people’s interests are juxtaposed against those of the elites.
Over the last few years, the term populism has increasingly appeared in political and media discourse. Although populism is a growing political phenomenon, it is often misunderstood and treated more as a buzzword than an actual political strategy. It is used to describe political movements from both the left and the right – from Bernie Sanders’ left-wing 2016 presidential campaign to the right-wing nationalist ascendancy in Europe. But what really is populism?
We can attempt to define populism as a political worldview in which societies are split into two contrasting camps – the people and the elite. Furthermore, populism maintains that policy should be determined by the general will of the people. A populist conception of the people can have different forms – either as sovereign, common or the nation – or a combination of the three.
A populist understanding of sovereignty implies that the people themselves – and not the elite – should hold political power. Meanwhile, the portrayal of a common people revolves around a shared socioeconomic class. Finally, in the understanding of the people as a nation, the people constitute a national community. The corrupt elite stand in opposition to these differing constellations of the people. This can refer to a ruling political class, mainstream media or the wealthiest members of society.
Within the populist worldview, different components of the elite are often working to prop each other up. For example, the wealthy are seen as supportive of political elites for their own vested interests against the general will of the people. This is the final core element of populism, consisting of what the eighteenth-century philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau termed the “volonté générale,” or general will. Rousseau used this term to describe the people’s ability to come together in order to bring about change that is beneficial to them as a group.
And it is through this general will that the charismatic, populist leader comes in. This leader must be able to identify the general will of the people and also forge a community of individuals who share it.
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What is Populism about?
Populism (2017) investigates one of the political buzzwords of our age, which is often encountered in the media and thrown around by political opponents. Populist leaders attempt to mobilize the frustrations of the masses by claiming to speak for “the people.” By placing blame for social and economic problems on a supposed “elite,” populists attempt to gain political success.
Populism Review
Populism (2017) by Cas Mudde and Cristóbal Rovira Kaltwasser provides a comprehensive analysis of the populist phenomenon and its impact on politics. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- The authors offer a clear definition of populism, distinguishing it from other political ideologies, allowing readers to better understand this complex and often misunderstood concept.
- With its global perspective, the book explores populism across different countries and regions, offering valuable insights into its various forms and manifestations.
- The authors critically examine the causes and consequences of populism, providing a nuanced understanding of its rise and implications for democratic societies.
Best quote from Populism
Personalist mobilization strategies tend to work best in states with presidential systems where the people can directly elect a powerful leader who claims he alone can combat corrupt elites.
—Cas Mudde and Cristóbal Rovira Kaltwasser
Who should read Populism?
- Citizens concerned with the rise of populist parties around the world
- Students of politics or international relations
- Politicians seeking to understand the populist phenomenon
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Populism FAQs
What is the main message of Populism?
The main message of Populism is an exploration of the growing trend of populist movements and their impact on democracy and society.
How long does it take to read Populism?
The reading time for Populism varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Populism a good book? Is it worth reading?
Populism is a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding the rise of populism and its consequences. It offers insightful analysis and thought-provoking perspectives.
Who is the author of Populism?
Populism is written by Cas Mudde and Cristóbal Rovira Kaltwasser.
What to read after Populism?
If you're wondering what to read next after Populism, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fascism by Madeleine Albright
- Suicide of the West by Jonah Goldberg
- Socialism by Michael Newman
- The First Minute by Chris Fenning
- Anarchism by Colin Ward
- Profit Over People by Noam Chomsky
- Talking to My Daughter About the Economy by Yanis Varoufakis
- The Success Myth by Emma Gannon
- Mastering Leadership by Robert J. Anderson and William A. Adams
- Psychological Types by Carl Jung