The emergence of populist leaders worldwide in recent times has provoked discussions regarding the possible dangers they may bring to democratic systems. Populism frequently poses as a solution to general political unhappiness because of its emphasis on uniting the “common people” against the alleged corrupt elites. However, there are significant worries about the long-term viability of democratic institutions due to the methods used by populist leaders to maintain their hold on power and subvert democratic standards.
In order to garner support, populist politicians usually take advantage of issues with immigration, the state of the economy, and mistrust of established political structures. Leaders such as Viktor Orbán in Hungary, Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, and Donald Trump in the United States have gained prominence by presenting themselves as the people’s protectors against the establishment. But once in power, a lot of populists restrict the free press, attack the judiciary, and consolidate power to undermine checks and balances.
The erosion of the rule of law is one of populism’s most harmful features. Asserting that judicial institutions are instruments of the elite, utilized to thwart the will of the people, populist leaders frequently present themselves as above the law. As a result, independent courts are undermined and the legal safeguards for political opponents and minorities are reduced. Accountability and the defense of rights are essential components of democracy, and their neglect by those in positions of authority weakens the system.
Furthermore, populism frequently flourishes on language that divides society and sets opposing groups against one another. The “us vs. them” mentality exacerbates division and erodes social cohesiveness, which makes democracies challenging to run smoothly. The political climate becomes toxic and cross-party cooperation is all but impossible when populist leaders vilify their opponents and suppress polite conversation.
Although populism might provide temporary fixes for intricate issues, democracy may suffer greatly in the long run from its effects. Populist leaders establish regimes where opposition is repressed, and power is consolidated in the hands of a select few by undermining democratic norms and institutions. It is more important than ever to defend democratic ideals against the growing global populism. The current problem is to uphold democracy’s fundamental principles while tackling the three main drivers of populism: political alienation, inequality, and corruption.
