Jan Philipp Thomeczek
The Left (Die Linke) in Germany is one of the most established left-wing populist parties in Europe. But it may soon experience a split, Jan Philipp Thomeczek argues, as Sahra Wagenknecht may form her own party. He places this within the German historical context, and within that of populist movements more broadly Read more
Alex Prior
Examining the first 99 entries in our Science of Democracy series, Alex Prior identifies an asymmetry between references to people (demos) and power (kratos). Through a discussion of this asymmetry and its possible causes, he calls for increased attention to power, in the sense of its ability to effect change Read more
Alexander Langenkamp
Alexander Langenkamp and Simon Bienstman argue that populist parties appeal strongly to citizens who feel vulnerable and discontented in ways that may be more than just political. This is an important explanatory factor of the electoral success of populist parties as a symptom of 'protest at the ballot box' Read more
Massimo D'Angelo
On 13 August 2023, Argentinians took part in primary elections to choose candidates for positions including the presidency. But the established candidates have dropped out of the race. Massimo D’Angelo examines the key results of this election, most notable for the victory of far-right libertarian economist Javier Milei Read more
Jasmin Sarah König
We know that there is an inherent tension between populism and liberal democracy. So how does this translate into law when populists are in power? Jasmin Sarah König and Tilko Swalve argue that constitutional changes by populist governments can have ambiguous implications for democratic quality Read more
Vladimir Bortun
Some of the most successful radical left parties of the past decade are not really radical, argues Vladimir Bortun. These parties do not display the anti-capitalism that defines the radical left, but rather a socio-economic agenda akin to post-WWII social democracy. Labelling this neo-reformist left 'radical' is deeply problematic, conceptually and politically Read more
Jennifer Greiman
Herman Melville’s 'ruthless democracy' is a creative performance, argues Jennifer Greiman, which guides Melville’s experimental prose and poetry. This sought to reimagine democratic relations, possibilities, and ways of being as matters for aesthetic thought and work – with strong implications for political theory Read more
Ana Mar Fernández PasarÃn
Ana Mar Fernández PasarÃn and Asbel Bohigues continue the Loop's coverage of Spain's 23 July general election, analysing the results and the (im)possible parliamentary alliances. They highlight that the left has a chance to continue in government but that a repetition of the election is not implausible Read more
