Populism and Political Dynamics in Western Democracies

Populism has emerged as a defining feature of political life across Western democracies, characterised by appeals to the “common people” against a presumed corrupt elite. While both left-wing and right-wing variants exist, recent attention has centred on radical right movements that combine nativist, anti-immigration sentiments with neoliberal economic policies. Populist actors exploit economic grievances, cultural anxieties and perceived threats to national identity, often accelerated by crises such as economic downturns or public health emergencies. These movements reshape party systems, prompting mainstream rivals to adopt tougher stances on migration or welfare to stem electoral losses. The rise of social media has further amplified polarisation, fostering echo chambers and enabling rapid diffusion of populist narratives. Institutional structures—electoral laws, federal arrangements and media regulations—mediate the impact of populism, explaining variation between systems in Europe, North America and Australasia. Confronted with the challenge of democratic erosion, scholars emphasise the importance of political resilience: strengthening civic education, enhancing transparency and safeguarding minority rights. The study of populism thus interweaves analysis of social psychology, party strategy and institutional safeguards, offering insights with global significance for governance, social cohesion and policy innovation.

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Populism and Political Dynamics in Western Democracies publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in populism and political dynamics in western democracies across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Populism: Political approach that frames society as divided between a virtuous “people” and a corrupt “elite.”

Anti-elitism: Opposition to established political, economic or cultural authorities, often central to populist discourse.

Radical right: Political movement combining nationalist, nativist and authoritarian elements, frequently prioritising anti-immigration policies.

Polarisation: Deepening ideological divisions within society, often intensified by media fragmentation and partisan messaging.

Political efficacy: Citizen confidence in their ability to influence political processes, which can be undermined by perceived elite capture.

References

1. The Impact of COVID-19 on the Support for the German AfD: Jumping the Populist Ship or Staying the Course?. Politische Vierteljahresschrift (2022).
2. Using MI-LASSO to study populist radical right voting in times of pandemic. Research & Politics (2024).
3. The People’s Champ: Doug Ford and Neoliberal Right-Wing Populism in the 2018 Ontario Provincial Election. Politics and Governance (2020).