Populocracy: The Tyranny of Authenticity and the Rise of Populism

Populism has become a significant feature of mature democracies in the twenty-first century, with the rise of populist parties proving a powerful and disruptive force. Catherine Fieschi offers a comparative analysis of the rise of populist parties in France, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK in the context of major digital and political transformations. Populism is effective because it originates from within the democratic tradition and has been able to turn some of democracys key strengths against it, such as the fantasy of radical transparency, the demand for immediacy, and the rejection of expert truth and facts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2020
Publisher: Agenda Publishing

Populism has emerged as a prominent feature of mature democracies in the twenty-first century, with the rise of populist parties exerting a powerful and disruptive influence. In order to understand the dynamics behind the surge of populist movements, Catherine Fieschi conducts a comparative analysis of the rise of populist parties in France, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK within the framework of significant digital and political transformations.

Fieschi argues that populism's effectiveness stems from its roots within the democratic tradition, enabling it to exploit some of the democratic system's inherent strengths. She refers to this strategy as "Jiu-jitsu politics," where populists leverage their understanding of democratic norms and institutions to challenge the established order.

It is crucial to recognize that populism is not merely a reaction to globalization or the discontent of the "disillusioned" or "left behind." Rather, it is a product of the digital revolution, which has reshaped our political and democratic expectations. Fieschi demonstrates how new dynamics unleashed by social media, such as the illusion of radical transparency, the demand for immediacy, and the rejection of expert truth and facts, have been harnessed by populism, enabling it to make unprecedented inroads into our political landscapes.

The rise of populist parties has significant implications for democratic societies. On the one hand, it challenges the established political order and demands a reevaluation of the role of the government, the media, and the public in shaping political discourse. On the other hand, populism can undermine the principles of democracy, such as the rule of law, individual rights, and the separation of powers.

To address the challenges posed by populism, it is essential to engage in open and constructive dialogue. This involves recognizing the legitimate concerns of marginalized communities and addressing their needs through policies that promote social inclusion, economic equality, and political participation. It also requires a commitment to promoting education and media literacy, which can help individuals discern fact from fiction and engage in informed political discourse.

In conclusion, populism has become a significant feature of mature democracies in the twenty-first century, driven by the digital revolution and the reshaping of political and democratic expectations. While it presents challenges, it also offers an opportunity for democratic societies to reevaluate their institutions and policies and promote a more inclusive and democratic future. By engaging in open and constructive dialogue, we can navigate the complexities of populism and build stronger, more resilient democracies.

Weight: 252g
Dimension: 217 x 143 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788210256