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Populism

Definition

Populism refers to a political ideology that seeks to appeal to the interests and concerns of ordinary people, often by portraying an 'us vs. them' narrative between the general population and a privileged elite.

Analogy

Imagine you're at a school where there's a student council election. One candidate claims they will fight for the rights of all students, especially those who feel ignored by the current student government. This candidate uses speeches and slogans that resonate with students' everyday worries and promises to make decisions based on what most students want. That candidate is using populism!

Related terms

Populist Leader: A politician or public figure who successfully mobilizes support from ordinary people by adopting populist rhetoric and policies.

Economic Inequality: The unequal distribution of wealth or resources in a society, which is often one of the main issues addressed by populists.

Nationalism: An ideology that emphasizes loyalty, devotion, or love for one's own nation above other considerations, frequently tied to populist movements seeking to protect national values and identity.