The Rise of Populism: A Challenge to Liberal Democratic Norms
Abstract
The global resurgence of populism in the 21st century poses profound challenges to the
foundations of liberal democracy. Characterized by anti-elitism, majoritarianism, and people-
centric rhetoric, populism often undermines key democratic norms such as rule of law, separation
of powers, political pluralism, and protection of minority rights. While both right-wing and left-
wing populist movements claim to restore political power to the people, their practices frequently
erode institutional checks and liberal values. Right-wing populists often promote exclusionary
nationalism, weaken judicial independence, and suppress dissent, while left-wing populists tend
to centralize power and restrict economic and political pluralism under the guise of social justice.
Drawing on global examples—from the United States, India, and Hungary to Venezuela and
Bolivia—this study analyzes how populism challenges liberal democratic norms through both
ideological and institutional means. The abstract concludes that addressing the populist threat
requires not only defending democratic institutions but also reforming them to better reflect the
needs and frustrations of contemporary electorates. Sustaining liberal democracy in the face of
populist pressure demands a renewed commitment to inclusive governance, civil liberties, and
constitutional accountability.
Key Words
Populism, Liberal Democracy, Democratic Norms, Rule of Law, Separation of Powers, Civil
Liberties, Political Pluralism
Introduction
In recent years, the rise of populism has become a defining feature of global politics. From the
United States and Brazil to India, Turkey, and Hungary, populist leaders have gained power by
challenging established political institutions and claiming to represent the “real people” against
the “corrupt elite.” While populism may seem democratic in its appeal to the majority, it often
poses significant threats to liberal democratic norms such as the rule of law, pluralism, minority
rights, and institutional checks and balances.
Populism is a political ideology or style that dichotomizes society into two antagonistic groups:
the “pure people” and the “corrupt elite” (Mudde, 2004). Populists claim to represent the will of
the people, often at the expense of established institutions and norms. Although populism can occur
on both the left and right of the political spectrum, it generally shares anti-elitist, anti-pluralist, and
majoritarian traits (Mudde & Rovira Kaltwasser, 2017).
Populism, in both its left-wing and right-wing forms, tends to erode the democratic institutions
that uphold liberal values. This assignment critically analyzes the nature of populism, its appeal,
and how it challenges liberal democratic principles and global case studies.
Understanding Populism
Populism is not a singular ideology but a political approach that divides society into two
antagonistic groups: the "pure people" versus the "corrupt elite." Populist leaders claim to be the
true voice of the people and seek to bypass established democratic institutions and procedures.
Populism can be found across the political spectrum, manifesting in both left-wing (e.g., Hugo
Chávez in Venezuela) and right-wing (e.g., Donald Trump in the United States, Jair Bolsonaro in
Brazil) forms.
Defining Populism
Populism is a contested and complex concept in political science. It is often defined as a thin-
centered ideology that sees society as divided into two antagonistic and homogeneous groups: “the
pure people” versus “the corrupt elite” and argues that politics should be an expression of the will
of the people.
Cas Mudde (2004) defines populism as: “An ideology that considers society to be ultimately
separated into two homogeneous and antagonistic groups, ‘the pure people’ and ‘the corrupt elite,’
and which argues that politics should be an expression of the volonté générale (general will) of the
people.”
Meaning of Populism
While populism does not present a fully developed worldview like liberalism or socialism, it is
better understood as a political style, strategy, or discourse that can attach itself to various
ideologies—left, right, or centrist. It is essentially anti-elitist, anti-institutional, and majoritarian,
with claims to moral legitimacy stemming from “the people.”
Jan-Werner Müller (2016) writes: “Populism is always a form of identity politics, asserting that
only some of the people are really the people.”
Populism gains support in times of political dissatisfaction, economic inequality, and cultural
anxieties, where people feel disconnected from the political elite or institutions.
Characteristics of Populism
Populism has several identifiable features, though the specific combination may vary depending
on the context:
A. Anti-elitism
Populists often frame politics as a battle between the righteous people and a corrupt, self-serving
elite. They accuse elites—politicians, bureaucrats, media, academics—of betraying national
interests.
Example: Donald Trump in the U.S. called Washington politicians part of the "swamp" that needs
to be drained.
B. People-Centrism
Populists claim to be the true voice of the people, often invoking the "will of the people" to justify
their actions and policies. This majoritarian mindset tends to ignore or suppress pluralism.
Example: Viktor Orbán in Hungary refers to his government as an “illiberal democracy” that
reflects the Hungarian people’s true identity.
C. Charismatic Leadership
Populist movements are often led by strong, charismatic leaders who present themselves as
outsiders challenging a rigged system.
Example: Hugo Chávez in Venezuela, Narendra Modi in India, and Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil all
cultivated personalistic leadership styles.
D. Simplification of Complex Issues
Populists tend to reduce nuanced policy debates into binary moral choices—right vs. wrong,
people vs. elite, us vs. them—thus eroding deliberative democratic norms.
E. Nationalism or Sovereigntism (often in Right-Wing Populism)
Right-wing populism often includes ethno-nationalist elements and opposes immigration,
globalization, and international organizations.
Example: Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in France emphasizes French nationalism, anti-EU
sentiment, and anti-immigration.
F. Left-Wing Populism: Economic Justice Focus
Left-wing populists focus on class conflict and inequality. They typically oppose neoliberalism,
international capital, and Western imperialism.
Example: Evo Morales in Bolivia and Andrés Manuel López Obrador in Mexico have used leftist
populist narratives to challenge economic elites.
Summary Table: Characteristics of Populism
Characteristic Explanation
Anti-elitism Distrust of elites and established institutions
People-centrism Claim to represent the will of the “real people”
Charismatic leadership Strong, central figure leading the movement
Binary moral narratives Framing issues in moral terms: people vs. elite
Rejection of diversity in opinions and
Anti-pluralism
identities
Emphasis on national sovereignty, anti-
Nationalism (right-wing)
immigration
Focus on wealth redistribution, anti-capitalist
Economic justice (left)
rhetoric
Causes Behind Populism’s Rise
A. Economic Disparity and Globalization
The failure of neoliberal globalization to ensure equitable growth has fueled public resentment.
Populists exploit these economic anxieties by blaming elites, immigrants, or international
institutions
B. Political Disillusionment
People are increasingly disenchanted with mainstream parties, corruption, and bureaucratic
inefficiency. Populists present themselves as outsiders who can “clean up the system.”
C. Cultural Backlash
Cultural and identity-based fears—especially regarding immigration, religious minorities, and
social change—have driven populist nationalism (Inglehart & Norris, 2016).
D. Consequences for Democracy
✓ Democratic Backsliding: Progressive weakening of democratic institutions without a full
authoritarian breakdown (Bermeo, 2016).
✓ Polarization and Violence: Populist rhetoric fuels social divisions and political hostility.
✓ Decline in Civil Liberties: Populist regimes often restrict protest, academic freedom, and
NGO activities.
✓ Authoritarian Drift: Populism can open the door to authoritarian governance.
Case Studies of Populism
A. United States – Donald Trump
Trump’s presidency exemplified right-wing populism. His rhetoric against immigrants, courts, and
the media created a hostile political climate. The 2021 Capitol riot is often cited as a populist attack
on democratic institutions.
B. Brazil – Jair Bolsonaro
Bolsonaro used anti-establishment rhetoric and militarized nationalism to discredit the judiciary,
civil society, and environmental activists. He undermined Brazil’s democratic institutions and
polarized the electorate (The Economist, 2019).
C. Hungary – Viktor Orbán
Orbán’s “illiberal democracy” is a model of authoritarian populism in Europe. He restructured the
constitution, weakened courts, and controlled media narratives.
D. India – Narendra Modi
Modi’s populist policies have fused Hindu nationalism with economic populism. His government
has been accused of undermining secularism, intimidating dissenters, and favoring a majoritarian
identity.
Liberal democratic norms
Liberal democratic norms refer to the fundamental principles, values, and unwritten rules that
sustain and protect liberal democracy- a political system combining free and fair elections with
constitutional limits on power and the protection of individual rights.
Definition of Liberal Democratic Norms
Liberal democratic norms are the ethical, institutional, and procedural expectations that govern
political behavior in a liberal democracy. These norms uphold constitutionalism, rule of law, civil
liberties, pluralism, and respect for political opposition, going beyond mere electoral processes.
Steven Levitsky & Daniel Ziblatt (2018) define democratic norms as: “Unwritten rules that are
essential to maintaining democratic institutions and preventing the erosion of democratic
practices.”
Key Liberal Democratic Norms
A. Constitutionalism and Rule of Law
Power is constrained by a constitution that applies equally to all. Everyone, including political
leaders, must follow the law.
Example: An independent judiciary that checks executive overreach.
B. Separation of Powers
Government power is divided among the executive, legislative, and judiciary to prevent
authoritarian concentration. Example: Montesquieu’s theory in The Spirit of the Laws (1748).
C. Political Pluralism
A variety of political parties and ideologies can coexist. Dissent and competition are not only
allowed but essential to democracy.
Example: Peaceful alternation of power between opposing parties.
D. Protection of Civil Liberties
Citizens are guaranteed rights such as:
• Freedom of speech
• Freedom of religion
• Freedom of the press
• Right to assemble
• Right to vote and run for office
[Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), Article 19–21.]
E. Respect for Minority Rights
Even when the majority wins an election, minority groups are protected against discrimination and
exclusion.
Example: Laws protecting ethnic, religious, or linguistic minorities.
F. Mutual Toleration
Rival parties accept each other’s right to compete and govern. They do not see opponents as
existential threats.
G. Institutional Forbearance
Leaders self-limit their legal powers for the sake of democratic stability, avoiding abuse of office
even when technically allowed.
Example: Not packing courts or using emergency powers without necessity.
Importance of Liberal Democratic Norms
✓ Prevent authoritarianism or "illiberal democracy"
✓ Maintain checks and balances
✓ Foster trust and peaceful coexistence
✓ Ensure that democracy is not just procedural but substantive
Erosion of Democratic Norms: A Warning Sign
✓ When these norms are violated:
✓ Institutions lose legitimacy
✓ The press is silenced or threatened
✓ Minority rights are ignored
✓ Democracy turns into majoritarian authoritarianism
Fareed Zakaria (1997) warned of “illiberal democracies” where leaders are elected but dismantle
freedoms after taking office.
Populism vs. Liberal Democratic Norms
Populism and liberal democracy may initially coexist, but they are inherently in tension. While
democracy emphasizes majority rule, liberalism emphasizes protection of individual and minority
rights. Populism often distorts this balance.
A. Undermining Institutional Checks and Balances
Populist leaders often attack the judiciary, weaken parliaments, and centralize power in the
executive. For example, in Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán used constitutional changes to
limit judicial independence and suppress civil society (Freedom House, 2020).
B. Eroding Rule of Law
In Turkey, President Erdoğan has replaced many independent judges, turning the judiciary into a
political tool. Similarly, in Poland, judicial reforms have raised concerns about democratic
backsliding.
C. Attacking the Free Press
A free and critical press is a cornerstone of liberal democracy. Populist leaders, such as Donald
Trump, labeled the media as “fake news” and “enemy of the people,” undermining public trust in
journalism (Levitsky & Ziblatt, 2018).
D. Discrimination and Majoritarianism
In India, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has been criticized for discriminating against
Muslims, undermining the secular foundations of the Indian Constitution (Amnesty International,
2020).
Right-Wing Populism: Challenges to Liberal Democracy
Key Characteristics:
❖ Nationalism and nativism
❖ Anti-immigration rhetoric
❖ Cultural conservatism
❖ Strongman leadership
❖ Majoritarianism
Challenges Posed:
A. Exclusionary Nationalism and Minority Suppression
Right-wing populists often use nationalist rhetoric to vilify minorities, immigrants, and religious
"others." This undermines pluralism and minority rights.
➢ Example: Narendra Modi in India has promoted Hindu nationalist policies, marginalizing
Muslims through laws like the Citizenship Amendment Act (Amnesty International, 2020).
➢ Example: Donald Trump’s travel bans and anti-immigration stance reflect ethno-
nationalist exclusion.
B. Undermining Judicial and Media Independence
Right-wing populists often accuse the judiciary and media of being part of a "liberal elite"
conspiracy.
➢ Example: Hungary's Viktor Orbán curtailed press freedom and brought courts under
political control (Freedom House, 2020).
➢ Example: Trump referred to the media as “the enemy of the people,” a tactic to
delegitimize watchdog institutions.
C. Erosion of Rule of Law
Right-wing populist leaders consolidate power by using emergency laws and weakening
democratic checks.
➢ Example: Erdoğan in Turkey purged the judiciary and imprisoned journalists after the
2016 coup attempt, citing national security.
Left-Wing Populism: Challenges to Liberal Democracy
Key Characteristics:
❖ Anti-capitalism and anti-neoliberalism
❖ Class-based rhetoric (rich vs. poor)
❖ Emphasis on economic redistribution
❖ Direct democracy and popular mobilization
Challenges Posed:
A. Undermining Economic and Political Pluralism
Left-wing populists often target private media, foreign investors, and political opponents,
concentrating power in the executive.
➢ Example: Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela nationalized media outlets,
restricted NGOs, and repressed opposition.
B. Democratic Backsliding in the Name of “People’s Power”
Leftist populists often justify authoritarian measures as necessary to defend the people against
capitalist elites.
➢ Example: In Bolivia, Evo Morales ran for a fourth term after the constitutional limit was
removed via a controversial court decision, weakening constitutionalism.
C. Clientelism and Institutional Weakening
Left-wing populists sometimes distribute state resources in a clientelistic manner, eroding
impartial state institutions.
➢ Example: Venezuela’s social programs under Chávez, while initially beneficial, became
mechanisms of political loyalty rather than transparent governance.
Comparative Analysis: Right vs. Left-Wing Populism
Category Right-Wing Populism Left-Wing Populism
Cultural outsiders, immigrants, Capitalist elites, foreign
Enemy Framed
globalists corporations
Suppression of minorities and Undermining economic
Democratic Threat
media pluralism and opposition
Judiciary, press, international Private sector, media,
Institutional Target
bodies independent bureaucracy
Trump (US), Modi (India), Chávez (Venezuela), Morales
Key Examples
Orbán (Hungary) (Bolivia), AMLO (Mexico)
Style of Governance Majoritarian authoritarianism Participatory authoritarianism
Nationalism, identity-based Executive overreach, economic
Threat to Norms
politics centralization
Why Liberal Democracy Is Vulnerable?
Populism rises where liberal democracy fails to:
✓ Address economic inequality
✓ Provide meaningful representation
✓ Uphold transparency and justice
When traditional parties are seen as corrupt or disconnected, people turn to populists who claim to
offer radical change—even at the cost of liberal norms (Mounk, 2018).
Recommendations to Mitigate Challenges
1. Strengthen Democratic Institutions
Ensure Judicial Independence: Courts must remain impartial and protected from political
interference to uphold the rule of law.
Protect Free Press: Safeguard media freedom to provide accurate information and hold power
accountable.
Empower Electoral Commissions: Maintain transparent and fair electoral processes to
reinforce legitimacy.
2. Promote Political Pluralism and Inclusion
Encourage Dialogue: Foster communication among diverse political groups and marginalized
communities to reduce polarization.
Protect Minority Rights: Enact and enforce laws that protect minority groups from
discrimination and exclusion.
Enhance Civic Education: Educate citizens about democratic values, critical thinking, and
the importance of pluralism.
3. Address Socio-Economic Grievances
Reduce Inequality: Implement policies that promote economic justice, reduce poverty, and
expand social welfare.
Create Inclusive Growth: Design economic programs that benefit all social groups to reduce
the appeal of populist rhetoric.
Promote Labor Rights: Strengthen workers' protections and opportunities to combat
economic alienation.
4. Reform Political Systems
Increase Transparency and Accountability: Combat corruption and increase responsiveness
of political institutions.
Encourage Participatory Democracy: Use mechanisms like citizen assemblies and referenda
to involve citizens directly.
Limit Executive Overreach: Enforce constitutional checks to prevent concentration of power.
5. Combat Misinformation and Polarization
Promote Media Literacy: Help citizens critically evaluate information sources.
Regulate Social Media: Encourage responsible online platforms to prevent the spread of fake
news and hate speech.
Support Independent Fact-Checking: Develop institutions that verify claims and reduce
manipulation.
6. Foster Mutual Toleration and Institutional Forbearance
Cultivate Political Respect: Encourage political actors to accept opponents’ legitimacy.
Promote Norms of Restraint: Political leaders should avoid exploiting legal loopholes for
partisan gain.
Conclusion
The rise of populism across the globe presents a multifaceted challenge to the foundational norms
of liberal democracy. While populism emerges as a response to genuine grievances such as
economic inequality, political exclusion, and cultural anxieties, its reliance on majoritarianism,
anti-elitism, and often simplistic narratives undermines the institutional checks, pluralism, and
protections vital for democratic stability. Both right-wing and left-wing populist movements,
despite differing in ideology and targets, share a tendency to erode the rule of law, weaken
independent institutions, and threaten minority rights. Addressing these challenges requires a
comprehensive approach that strengthens democratic institutions, promotes inclusive governance,
addresses socio-economic disparities, and fosters a culture of political tolerance and respect for
democratic norms. Ultimately, safeguarding liberal democracy in the face of populist pressures
demands not only resilience of institutions but also meaningful reforms that reconnect democracy
with the needs and aspirations of its citizens.
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