This post seems to imply that populism is in opposition (or at least strong tension) with democracy—but from my definitional understanding and reading of common sources like wikipedia, I would argue that populism is extremely compatible with democracy. Yes, typical characteristics of most democracies, such as minority rights and institutional checks on power, are often undermined by populist leaders, but it seems like the thing you’re warning against in your post is actually dictatorship or authoritarianism?
Populism has historically helped to promote democracy but it can also interfere with democratic institutions.In the recent past,there have been populist military regimes in Central and West Africa such as in Niger ,Burkina Faso and Gabon that seek to return the power to the people and disregard the institutional checks in place.The personalities of military and civilian personnel have determined the policy outcomes. The leaders that were democratically elected by the people were removed from power by populist military regimes that do not have clear policies to ensure that the countries economies and democracies can be improved.
This post seems to imply that populism is in opposition (or at least strong tension) with democracy—but from my definitional understanding and reading of common sources like wikipedia, I would argue that populism is extremely compatible with democracy. Yes, typical characteristics of most democracies, such as minority rights and institutional checks on power, are often undermined by populist leaders, but it seems like the thing you’re warning against in your post is actually dictatorship or authoritarianism?
Populism has historically helped to promote democracy but it can also interfere with democratic institutions.In the recent past,there have been populist military regimes in Central and West Africa such as in Niger ,Burkina Faso and Gabon that seek to return the power to the people and disregard the institutional checks in place.The personalities of military and civilian personnel have determined the policy outcomes. The leaders that were democratically elected by the people were removed from power by populist military regimes that do not have clear policies to ensure that the countries economies and democracies can be improved.