How Do Political Outsiders Build Loyalty With New Administrations?
Feb 27, 2025
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Renard Sexton, a political scientist specializing in Philippine politics, dives into the complex world of political outsiders and their impact on governance. He discusses how mayors navigate loyalty amid Duterte's controversial drug war policies. The conversation examines whether extremist actions can serve to secure loyalty, the balance of local power dynamics, and the potential parallels with other populist leaders like Trump. Sexton reveals how personal interests and electoral incentives shape political strategies in an ever-evolving landscape.
Outsider politicians like Duterte and Trump face complex relations with established political systems, impacting their capacity to enact change.
Local mayors in Duterte's administration leveraged their power to support aggressive drug policies, reshaping local governance and political dynamics.
Populist leaders often incentivize local actors to align with their controversial agendas, highlighting the importance of grassroots loyalty in governance.
Deep dives
Dynamics of Outsiders and the Political Establishment
The podcast discusses the fascinating dynamic between outsider politicians, such as President Trump, and the entrenched political establishment in America. This establishment often seeks to maintain the status quo and resist changes brought forth by outsiders, who may lack traditional political resources. The relationship between these newcomers and the establishment is complex, as outsider politicians may find themselves dependent on the support of the established bureaucratic structures while also facing opposition. This tension creates an interesting political landscape where loyalty and alignment with outsider policies can have significant implications for the careers and standing of various political actors.
The Case of Duterte in the Philippines
The discussion highlights the case of Rodrigo Duterte, the President of the Philippines, who, like Trump, emerged as an outsider. Duterte's rise involved a hardline approach to the drug problem, which resonated with many citizens weary of drug-related crime. His administration's success depended significantly on local mayors who aligned their political futures with his controversial policies. The incentives for these mayors often tied their successes and political survival directly to their support of Duterte's aggressive drug war, showcasing how outsider politicians can leverage local power structures to implement sweeping reforms.
Outsiders and Patrocy Relationships
A key insight is that mayors outside of traditional patronage networks were more likely to capitalize on Duterte’s policies compared to those within established networks. This preference for policies perceived as risky but rewarding reflects a willingness among outsider mayors to tie their political fortunes to Duterte. In contrast, mayors with entrenched ties to the old patronage system might have opposed Duterte's initiatives, fearing the loss of their influence. This creates a scenario where the risks associated with supporting an outsider can paradoxically empower those who are willing to embrace that risk, leading to a significant shift in local governance.
The Execution of Aggressive Policies
The podcast emphasizes how Duterte's administration employed aggressive strategies against drug-related crime, heavily involving local law enforcement under the influence of compliant mayors. The municipal police chiefs, whose careers relied on the support of these mayors, engaged in aggressive enforcement based on the directives of pro-Duterte mayors. This relationship illustrates how local government dynamics can shape the execution of national policies in contexts where traditional party allegiance is weaker. Such a structure allows for a more customized approach to governance, depending on the incentives given to local leaders.
Broader Implications of Populism
The conversation delves into the broader implications of populist strategies, drawing parallels between Duterte and political figures globally, including the United States. It posits that populist leaders often rely on local actors who align with their controversial agendas while offering them substantial incentives for support. The effectiveness of populism in executing policy heavily relies on these local relationships, influencing how policies are adopted and enforced regionally. Thus, the systemic dynamics between populists and established political structures present critical insights into contemporary governance challenges within nations facing similar political upheaval.
What happens when a political outsider takes power and shakes up the system? In this episode, we look at a fascinating case study that reveals how leaders outside the establishment build loyalty, push their agendas, and change the political landscape.
Political scientist Renard Sexton discusses his paper “Deadly Populism: How Local Political Outsiders Drive Duterte’s War on Drugs In The Philippines”. It covers how local mayors chose to enforce (or resist) his policies, what they gained in return, and what this means for populism. Could Trump’s second term follow a similar path? And do populist leaders deliberately push extreme policies to ensure loyalty?
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