Exploring the Success of Populist Leaders: Intuitive Thinking at the Root
By
Riaz Laghari
Politics all across the world have been significantly impacted by the development of populist leaders like Trump, and Bolsonaro in recent years. Success for these leaders has not come from what they do for the populace but rather from the hurt they cause to political rivals and dissenters. More and more of these leaders' followers appreciate it when they use heated language and make bogus promises. But why are followers of these leaders so devoted?
Populism is a political philosophy that places a strong emphasis on the wants and needs of the average person, who is frequently perceived as being oppressed or disregarded by the ruling class. Populists assert that they speak for the general public and are the only ones who genuinely care about their welfare. To win over their fans, populist politicians frequently utilize passionate language and straightforward solutions to difficult situations. Additionally, they frequently portray themselves as outsiders engaged in resistance to the dishonest and dysfunctional system. One explanation for populism is widespread feelings of annoyance and dissatisfaction with the way things are going in politics and the economy. The growth of populist groups and leaders can have a substantial impact on democracy because they frequently undermine the rule of law and target the institutions essential to a healthy democracy.
There has been significant discussion about the relationship between populism and democracy, with some academics saying that populism poses a threat to liberal democracy while others contend that it is a necessary corrective. In a 2018 post for the History and Public Policy Program, Patrick Liddiard makes the case that the growth of populism poses a threat to liberal democracy. ( https://www.wilsoncenter.org/publication/populism-really-problem-for-democracy ) A discussion concerning the implications of this new type of political leadership and its effects on society has been triggered by the rise of populist politicians. Liddiard examines the factors that contribute to populist politicians' appeal and how they manage to keep their followers loyal despite making empty promises.
Instead of having a history of helping the populace, these leaders' success is founded on their capacity to hurt their political rivals. The use of provocative language and hollow promises that appeal to these leaders' followers is thought to be the cause of this phenomenon. The hatred these leaders' supporters have for their political competitors motivates them and keeps them firmly in support of their populist leaders.
On the other hand, populism may contribute to the health of democracy by acting as a necessary check on the excesses of the ruling elite, according to a piece by William A. Galston that was published in the same program.
Additional information on the subject is provided in a William A. Galston article titled "The populist challenge to liberal democracy." Galston emphasizes the need of comprehending populism's characteristics and how they affect democracy. He contends that the emergence of populism calls into question crucial elements of liberal democracy and necessitates rigorous thought and study. ( https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-populist-challenge-to-liberal-democracy/ ) These divergent viewpoints demonstrate the intricacy of the connection between populism and democracy as well as the demand for additional research and analysis. The problem of populism and its consequences on democracy is complicated and multifaceted, necessitating a better comprehension of its root causes and outcomes. The writings of Liddiard and Galston serve as a basis for further investigation and comprehension of the topic.
Intuitive thinking, according to a recent scientific article ( https://demos-h2020.eu/en/how-human-evolution-explains-support-for-populist-leaders ), is the key to these leaders' success. According to the study, populist leaders conflate the public and private spheres by behaving and speaking in public as though they were doing so privately. Those who feel excluded from society can relate to this unconventional method, and their support is grounded in intuition.
Voters' perceptions of justice, interpersonal relationships, and hierarchy are significantly influenced by populist tales. As a result, even when the populist message is false or baseless, society frequently agrees with it. Intuitive thinking is frequently the foundation of irrational beliefs in right-wing populism and conspiracy theories.
Along with their unconventional methods, populist leaders frequently speak in an impolite and casual manner to set themselves apart from the ruling class. Supporters are further drawn to this communication approach because it exudes an air of sincerity and relatability.
But this phenomenon has detrimental effects on society as a whole. Populist leaders frequently abuse their position of authority to criticize and sabotage the institutions meant to defend democracy, including the judiciary, the media, and the opposition. This could result in a loss of public confidence in these institutions, which could have long-term consequences for the strength and stability of the democratic system. Additionally, these leaders frequently promote policies that are damaging to the environment and oppressed populations, which can have catastrophic effects on both people and the earth. It is imperative that we acknowledge and address the part intuitive thinking played in the development of populism in order to avert these repercussions. We can assist the growth of a more inclusive and sustainable society by promoting a critical and informed public debate that works to challenge populist leaders' narratives and appeals.
In conclusion, the capacity of populist leaders to appeal to voters' instincts about fairness, group dynamics, and hierarchies through populist narratives and crude language can be credited with their success. Understanding the causes of these politicians' success is essential to preventing future harm to political affiliations and society at large, even though the growth of these leaders is a worrying trend.
