Giulia Sbaraini Fontes
Populists threaten press freedom and, frequently, democracy itself. Giulia Sbaraini Fontes suggests that while news outlets may have a toxic relationship with these politicians, they also harvest immediate commercial benefits themselves, and jeopardise journalism’s credibility and legitimacy Read more
Adrian Favero
Adrian Favero explores the claim that populist leaders are generally charismatic and invaluable for the functioning of 'their' parties. 'Charismatic leadership', he says, is not well conceptualised, nor are leaders unreservedly seen as charismatic by their followers despite being helpful for populist parties’ success Read more
Anca Turcu
Populists thrive on being perceived as outsiders. This creates an incentive for mainstream governing populist parties to portray themselves as challengers to the establishment. Anca Turcu examines the tactics Hungary’s and Turkey’s governing populists employ to survive mainstreaming Read more
Massimo D'Angelo
International media have always depicted Silvio Berlusconi in stereotypical ways, shaped by his outlandish behaviour and sex scandals. Massimo D’Angelo explains why the Berlusconi legacy goes beyond these stereotypes, and how it can still act as a beacon for many right-wing populist leaders around the world Read more
Adele Webb
Is the concept of populism a help or a hindrance in understanding complex political dynamics in the Global South? Adele Webb draws on the case of the Philippines to challenge Eurocentric and historically truncated views of populism. Here, she calls for more contextualised readings of populism’s manifestations outside the West Read more
Sabine Volk
Too much populism research focuses on populist leaders, argues Sabine Volk. Yet looking through the lens of collective action offers valuable insights into how we might define populism. It also provides fresh understandings of what populism does, and how it works Read more
Proma Raychaudhury
Focusing on Narendra Modi’s populist leadership in India, Proma Ray Chaudhury argues that displays of vulnerability by strongman populist leaders can offer insights into the resilience of populist regimes Read more
Jennifer Piscopo
Scholars and journalists tend to focus on the misogyny of right-wing autocrats. But Jennifer Piscopo argues that we shouldn't overlook the patriarchal attitudes of left-wing populists. They may not directly attack women and gender minorities, but they also roll back gender equality gains Read more
The Loop
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