573. Exploring Populism and Demagoguery in Politics feat. Eric A. Posner

Aug 6, 2025

Eric A. Posner, a law professor at the University of Chicago and author of 'The Demagogue's Playbook', dives into the rise of populism and demagoguery in American politics. He contrasts the emotional tactics of leaders like Trump and Andrew Jackson with Lincoln's reasoned approach. The discussion reveals the historical tension between elites and populist movements, and Posner explores contemporary challenges in antitrust laws and labor markets. He also highlights the potential for political recovery after controversial leadership, drawing on lessons from history.

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INSIGHT

Demagoguery vs. Populism

Demagoguery is a political style that uses lies and anger to divide people and blame elites.
Populism historically refers to grassroots movements opposing political elites, emphasizing a virtuous common people against an evil establishment.

INSIGHT

Elites vs. Common People in History

The tension between elites and the common people has been a consistent theme in American history since the founding.
This divide sometimes crosses the left-right political spectrum and shapes political polarization.

INSIGHT

Declining Trust Spurs Populism

Loss of public trust in elites, especially government, has fueled populism since the 1960s.
Events like the Vietnam War and civil rights movement triggered a long decline in government confidence, intensifying polarization.

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What historical forces have led to the rise of demagogues in the past and how to they compare to the increasing power of populism today? What are the benefits and drawbacks of empowering leaders from outside politics during these times?

Eric A. Posner is a professor of law at the University of Chicago Law School and also the author of several books, including The Demagogue's Playbook: The Battle for American Democracy from the Founders to Trump, Radical Markets: Uprooting Capitalism and Democracy for a Just Society, and The Executive Unbound: After the Madisonian Republic.

Greg and Eric discuss the definition of demagoguery and its historical context in American politics, particularly comparing presidents Donald Trump and Andrew Jackson. They explore the rise of populism, its implications for democracy, and the role of elites and institutions. Additionally, Eric explains his views on labor market power and antitrust law reforms, reflecting on recent American political dynamics and potential future reforms.

*unSILOed Podcast is produced by University FM.*

Episode Quotes:

How President Trump changed the presidential playbook

40:43: Trump is really not that popular, but he does—but he is very popular among his base. So I think he has decided, unlike—I think most presidents want to have, like, a large majority, super majority of support. And I think Trump, at some point, realized that he would never get that. And so he wanted to maintain his base plus a few swing voters. And if that is your goal, if that is your plan, it may be fine to do things that upset a lot of people. Whereas when these norms developed—if that is what we are going to call them—they developed in a context in which there was less partisan division, less ideological strife, and it made sense for politicians to be basically more cooperative, even though they represented people with very different interests.

Demagogues appeal to the emotion

08:12: Demagogues appeal to emotion, but it would be wrong to say that any politician who appeals to emotions is a demagogue. There are community and “let us work together” and “let us protect people, vulnerable people,” versus this kind of hatred, which is characteristic of the demagogue, who wants to find somebody to blame for people's problems.

What is the essence of populism?

06:37: The virtuous people, meaning something—well, not never really clear—definitely farmers and maybe working people, versus an establishment consisting of politicians and bankers and capitalists. I think that division is the essence of populism.

The threat of demagoguery

33:08: Usually people are worried about demagoguery because they are worried, basically, that ordinary people will be persuaded by somebody who is evil, basically, or does not have their interest at heart. It is still with us. Never went away.

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