New Books in Critical Theory
Populism, Power, and the Crisis of Globalism: A Conversation with Wolfgang Streeck
Apr 4, 2025
Wolfgang Streeck, former director at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies, dives into the fractures between elites and the public in democracy. He discusses the rise of populism as a reaction to centralized governance and how educational divides exacerbate these tensions. The conversation touches on immigration challenges, the influence of U.S. foreign policy on Europe, and the need for a more equitable global system. Streeck’s insights from his book highlight the urgent need to address the crisis of globalism.
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Quick takeaways
- Populism emerges as a response to the erosion of democracy and globalism, highlighting the need for greater grassroots empowerment against elites.
- The immigration debate starkly divides society along educational lines, revealing fears of cultural and economic displacement among less educated populations.
Deep dives
Redefining Populism in the Context of Globalism
Populism is increasingly seen as a response to the collapse of globalism, according to insights from recent political dialogues. The argument highlights populism as a tool for ordinary people to reclaim control from elites who have dominated economic and political systems. This perspective posits that globalism, beginning around 1980, has centralized power and relegated democracy to mere technocracy, causing a disconnect between state governance and the needs of the populace. By framing populism as not inherently negative but rather a necessary reaction against entrenched elites, the conversation suggests that all serious political discourse today is influenced by populist sentiments advocating for greater grassroots empowerment.
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