Populism Unpacked: Complexities and Contradictions

This chapter delves into the multifaceted nature of populism, exploring how its perception varies across different contexts and individual experiences. It emphasizes the potential risks of populism, including its tendency toward authoritarianism and its relationship with democratic backsliding, while also discussing the dual role it plays in enhancing and threatening democratic values. Through real-world examples and theoretical insights, the chapter highlights the pressing need for inclusivity in democratic governance to avert systemic failures.