What is Populism?
What is Populism? by Jan-Werner Müller, published by Penguin Books in 2017, offers a critical examination of the rising phenomenon of populism around the world. This 141-page book delves into the complexities of populism, addressing key questions about its nature and implications for democracy. Müller explores the distinctions between right-wing and left-wing populism, the role of populists in government, and the potential threats they pose to pluralism and democratic institutions.
Readers will find a thorough analysis of how populists claim to represent “the people” while often undermining democratic values. The book discusses the rejection of pluralism at the heart of populist movements and proposes strategies for liberal democrats to effectively respond to these challenges. With topics such as political ideologies, democracy, and the political process woven throughout, this edition provides a timely and thought-provoking perspective on a critical issue in contemporary political discourse.
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‘This lucid guide is essential reading’ Guardian
From Donald Trump to Recep Erdogan, populists are on the rise across the globe. But what exactly is populism?
Should everyone who criticizes Wall Street or Washington be called a populist? What precisely is the difference between right-wing and left-wing populism? Does populism bring government closer to the people or is it a threat to democracy? Who are “the people” anyway and who can speak in their name? These questions have never been more pressing.
In this provocative book, Jan-Werner Müller argues that at populism’s core is a rejection of pluralism. Populists will always claim that they and they alone represent the people and their true interests. Contrary to conventional wisdom, populists can govern on the basis of their claim to exclusive moral representation of the people: if populists have enough power, they will end up creating an authoritarian state that excludes all those not considered part of the proper “people”. Proposing a number of concrete strategies for how liberal democrats should best deal with populists, Müller shows how to counter their claims to speak exclusively for “the silent majority”.
*Updated with a new afterword*
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