Is populism a democratic savior or a threat to institutional stability?
In short: Populism is often viewed as a purely destructive force, but scholars suggest a more complex reality. It can act as a vital tool for representation, giving a voice to the excluded, while simultaneously working to erode the very liberal institutions that protect democratic norms and stability.
The relationship between populism and democracy is rarely a simple binary of good versus evil. Researchers Yaprak Gürsoy and Toygar Sinan Baykan suggest that populism should be understood as a 'frenemy' of democracy. This concept captures a dual nature: it is a friend because it is intrinsically tied to the principle of popular representation, yet it is an enemy because it tends to undermine liberal institutions and norms when it gains momentum.
This tension is not a new academic observation. It echoes Chantal Mouffe’s concept of 'agonistic politics' and aligns with the framing provided by Cas Mudde and Cristóbal Rovira Kaltwasser, who describe populism as both a 'corrective' and a 'threat' to democratic systems. While populists can revitalize electoral politics by mobilizing groups that have been left behind by entrenched elites, they also risk causing democratic reversal by challenging the established rules of the game.
Understanding this duality is critical for modern political strategy. If populism is treated strictly as an archenemy, the response is often confrontational. However, viewing it as a 'frenemy' allows us to see it as a symptom—much like a fever—that signals underlying vulnerabilities within a democracy. By treating populism as a signal of democratic ills, policymakers might focus on inclusive coalitions and reforms to address the root causes rather than simply fighting fire with fire.
This debate remains highly relevant in the current global political climate, particularly following Donald Trump's re-election in the United States, which has renewed international interest in how populist movements interact with liberal democratic settings.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Is Populism a Threat to Democracy?
- Also: The frenemy within – populism’s dual role in democratisation
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