Populism in the 21st century
Out of the many ideologies that have meandered through the realm of political discourse, Populism has been one of the few that has stood the test of time. It has done so through popular support, through policy, and sometimes through deceit and Propaganda. Populism is a political tool that champions, or claims to champion the cause of the ‘common’ people and aid them in their fight against an actual or perceived elite or establishment. Populism typically combines the Left and Right, opposing huge commercial enterprise and economic elitism and often opposed to ‘elitist’ political traditions. Populism can be practiced in both democratic and authoritarian political systems. Populism usually is critical of political representation and all other systems that are in place to keep a distance between the people and those who rule. In established democracies, populism thrives to empower citizens by securing their rights through people-friendly policy and reforms without endorsing a ...