Articles by Paul D. Kenny

November 20, 2025

🌊 The nature of fascism and why it differs from populism

Paul D. Kenny
People are talking more and more about fascism, and often confusing it with populism. Paul D. Kenny argues that we need to understand how fascism stands out. It has never been just a matter of words or beliefs. It is a leader-centred cult that uses violence to eliminate opposition
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July 10, 2023

🔮 The myth of the irrational populist

Paul D. Kenny
Scholars and pundits – few of whom are populist supporters themselves – like nothing more than to point out the seeming foolishness of populism. However, Paul Kenny argues, there is also frequently a rational explanation behind their choices. Populist voters may be a lot of things, but they are not irrational
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photograph of Paul D. Kenny
Paul D. Kenny
Professor of Political Science, Institute for Humanities & Social Sciences, Australian Catholic University / Visiting Fellow, Australian National University

Paul is one of the world's leading experts on populism.

He holds a PhD in political science from Yale University and degrees in economics and political economy from Trinity College Dublin and the London School of Economics.

He is Professor and Director of the Political Science Program at ACU and lives in Melbourne, Australia.

pauldkenny.com

@kennypd.bsky.social

@KennypdPaul

Populism: What Everyone Needs to Know
Oxford, 2025

Why Populism? Political Strategy from Ancient Greece to the Present Paul D. Kenny

Why Populism? Political Strategy from Ancient Greece to the Present
Cambridge, 2023

Populism and Patronage Why Populists Win Elections in India, Asia, and Beyond Paul D. Kenny

Populism and Patronage: Why Populists Win Elections in India, Asia, and Beyond
Oxford, 2017

Populism in Southeast Asia Paul D. Kenny

Populism in Southeast Asia
Cambridge, 2017

 

 

The Loop

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