Populism is not an ideology in itself, but rather a political approach or style that can be adopted by various political movements and parties across the ideological spectrum. At its core, populism frames society as being divided into two antagonistic groups: “the pure people” and “the corrupt elite.” The populist leader then claims to be the sole representative of the will of “the people.”
This framework allows for both left-wing and right-wing populism. A left-wing populist, or a populist Democrat, would combine this populist rhetoric with a left-wing political agenda. They would likely define “the people” as the working class, marginalized groups, or those harmed by corporate power and economic inequality. The “elite” would be identified as large corporations, Wall Street financiers, and the political establishment seen as beholden to these interests. This type of populism can align with some tenets of democratic politics by advocating for policies that empower the masses, such as economic reforms, social programs, and more direct forms of democracy like referendums. The historical Populist Party in the U.S. in the late 19th century, which advocated for policies like a graduated income tax and direct election of senators, is often cited as an example of left-wing populism.
The relationship between populism and authoritarianism is complex, but the two are not inherently the same. Populism, as a style of politics, can be a breeding ground for authoritarianism, but it doesn’t have to be. Populism becomes authoritarian when a leader, claiming to represent the “general will” of the people, begins to erode democratic institutions and norms that check their power. This can include:
- Undermining the Rule of Law: Disregarding constitutional checks and balances, judicial independence, and the rights of minorities.
- Silencing Dissent: Framing political opponents, the media, and civil society as enemies of “the people” and using this to justify suppressing opposition.
- Centralizing Power: Concentrating power in the executive branch and bypassing legislative processes.
To remove the authoritarian tendencies from populism, the focus must shift from a singular, “general will” to a more pluralistic and inclusive understanding of “the people.” This involves: - Upholding Pluralism and Minority Rights: Acknowledging that “the people” are not a homogeneous group with a single will, but a diverse society with competing interests. This requires protecting the rights of all citizens, including those in the minority, and ensuring that their voices are heard and respected.
- Strengthening Democratic Institutions: Instead of seeing institutions like the judiciary, the press, and the legislature as obstacles to the will of the people, they should be defended as essential checks on power. A non-authoritarian populist would work within these institutions to achieve their goals, rather than seeking to dismantle them.
- Focusing on Policy and Substance over Rhetoric: Moving beyond the simplistic “people vs. elite” narrative to address the complex underlying issues that fuel populist sentiment, such as economic inequality or political corruption. The goal should be to find concrete solutions that benefit a broad range of people, not just to scapegoat a perceived enemy.
In essence, a populist can be a democrat by using populist rhetoric to mobilize and empower citizens while remaining committed to the fundamental principles of a liberal democracy: the rule of law, the protection of minority rights, and a system of checks and balances. The danger lies when the leader claims to be the sole voice of the people and uses that claim to justify the erosion of these democratic safeguards.
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