Filtering Populist Claims to Fight Populism: The Italian Case in a Comparative Perspective

This book investigates how populists in power borrow, use, and manipulate categories of constitutional theory and instruments of constitutional law, using Italy as a case study. It aims to explore how constitutional democracies can channel populist claims without jeopardizing the legacy of post-World War II constitutionalism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 223 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The recent surge of populism across Europe and the United States demands a comprehensive understanding within a comparative and historical framework. By examining Italy, particularly through the lens of a self-styled populist coalition government, this book delves into the intricate ways in which populists in power borrow, utilize, and manipulate categories of constitutional theory and legal instruments. Author Giuseppe Martinico goes beyond treating constitutionalism and populism as inherently opposed entities, exploring the profound impact of populism on the functioning of certain instruments of constitutional democracy. His objective is to investigate their potential as platforms for populist claims and targets of populist attacks, while also highlighting strategies for constitutional democracies to channel these claims without compromising the legacy of post-World War II constitutionalism. This book is a valuable resource for academics and practicing lawyers with an interest in populism and comparative constitutional law.

The recent surge of populism across Europe and the United States demands a comprehensive understanding within a comparative and historical framework. By examining Italy, particularly through the lens of a self-styled populist coalition government, this book delves into the intricate ways in which populists in power borrow, utilize, and manipulate categories of constitutional theory and legal instruments. Author Giuseppe Martinico goes beyond treating constitutionalism and populism as inherently opposed entities, exploring the profound impact of populism on the functioning of certain instruments of constitutional democracy. His objective is to investigate their potential as platforms for populist claims and targets of populist attacks, while also highlighting strategies for constitutional democracies to channel these claims without compromising the legacy of post-World War II constitutionalism. This book is a valuable resource for academics and practicing lawyers with an interest in populism and comparative constitutional law.

ISBN-13: 9781108791489