End of Populism: Twenty Proposals to Defend Liberal Democracy

The populist wave that has engulfed Europe and the United States is not unstoppable, according to The End of Populism. This book refutes the populist claim that democracy is a "demand side" phenomenon and proposes solutions to confront the rise of "illiberal democracy," such as direct democracy methods that have been manipulated by populists and moneyed interests. It offers twenty original and bold proposals to bridge the gap between the people and the elites, fight corruption, improve political party funding, and initiate societal, educational, and macro-economic reforms to increase economic equality and alleviate citizens' insecurity.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 312 pages
\n Publication date: 02 March 2021
\n Publisher: Manchester University Press
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The populist wave that has engulfed Europe and the United States in recent years appears unstoppable. However, is it truly inevitable? The End of Populism presents compelling answers and offers practical solutions to counter the rise of "illiberal democracy." Drawing on extensive original sources, this book challenges the populist assertion that democracy is merely a "demand side" phenomenon and demonstrates that it is, in fact, a "supply side" phenomenon. Marcel H. Van Herpen argues that there can be too much democracy and showcases how direct democracy methods, such as popular initiatives, referendums, and open primaries, which purport to "give the power back to the people," have been manipulated by populists and vested interests. Populist attacks on the judiciary, central banks, the media, and other independent agencies, rather than strengthening democracy, have undermined liberal democracy.

The author presents twenty innovative and audacious proposals to bridge the gap between the people and the elites, combat corruption, enhance political party funding, and initiate societal, educational, and macro-economic reforms to promote economic equality and alleviate citizens' insecurity. Written in elegant prose and presented with clarity, this book is a vital resource for understanding the populist phenomenon.

\n Weight: 478g\n
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 30 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526154132\n \n