Remember that the most lasting transformation and renewal is not that carried out by the governments or lobbyists or protestors of this world. Rather, it is the redemption that comes in the gospel of Jesus Christ and leads ultimately to the renewal of all things when he returns. Jesus established the church to be his voice, arms, and feet. 

Sociologists and political scientists generally agree that a populist wave has been sweeping much of the Western world for some time now. Many church members would have heard or read discussion about populism, though most would struggle to define it. What is populism? Because the term is so malleable, it’s often challenging to formulate a straightforward definition. Populism can manifest itself in politicians and organisations with left-leaning or right-leaning ideologies, among socialists and capitalists alike. It helps to realise that populism isn’t so much a set of political policies or platforms, but rather a distinct style.

Defining Populism

A 2017 Stanford University Conference highlighted some markers of the essence of populism. Here are a few of their conclusions.

First, populism is almost always highly anti-elitist. This is seen in the consistent use of language which refers to the corrupt elites, the Deep State, “the swamp”, and so on. These elites are portrayed as intolerably oppressing the common people, the true patriots, and huge change is required.

Second, populism is also anti-institutional. This means, along with the elites, many of the established institutions themselves (governmental, judicial, economic, etc.) are seen as either totally irredeemable or in need of vast, sweeping reforms. Indeed, numerous studies confirm trust in institutions are at all-time lows.

Third, populism is plebiscitary. Generally, this refers to those seeking to gain validation through appealing directly to the masses rather than governing through the conventional processes and institutions (which are perceived as corrupt). In contemporary times, this is particularly effective due to the pervasiveness of social media. Official statements, decisions, or even random thoughts are frequently disclosed on social media before any official channels.

Fourth, populism usually requires a strong, charismatic leader. From the likes of the Argentinian-born revolutionary Che Guevara or Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez (representing prominent left-leaning examples) to more contemporary examples such as Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orbán and, of course, US President Donald Trump (representing strong right-leaning figures), populist leaders frequently exhibit similar traits.

If the above were the entire extent of populism, it could be contended that populism isn’t inherently bad. A moderate dose of therapeutic populism may, at times, have a tonic-like effect on a culture. There are instances where profound reforms are imperative, monopolies need to be dismantled, and genuine injustice needs to be addressed. There can be a beneficial side of populism, a “good populism”. Unfortunately, there’s also a darker side that demands our attention. 

The Darker Side of Populism

Populism tends to thrive on half-truths, paranoia, conspiracy theories, and outrage, as do those who would wield it for power. None of this is novel (see Hofstadter’s 1964 essay ‘The Paranoid Style in American Politics’), but many experts agree that for a myriad reasons there has been a recent resurgence.

One particularly negative characteristic of the populist style is its inclination to demonise and dehumanise political adversaries. When individuals perceive their political opponents as actively seeking to undermine their way of life, they transform them not merely into adversaries, but mortal enemies.

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