New Books in Political Science Populism, Power, and the Crisis of Globalism: A Conversation with Wolfgang Streeck
Apr 5, 2025
Wolfgang Streeck, former director at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies, dives deep into the issues dividing elites and the public in Western democracies. He discusses the rise of populism as a challenge to democracy and capitalism, reflecting on educational divides and immigration tensions. Streeck critiques the U.S. influence on European security and the shift in American global strategy from benevolence to control. His insights illuminate the potential for a more democratic global system amid these complex challenges.
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Populism vs. Elitism
- Populism is a tool used by elites to control the masses, and its opposite is elitism.
- Elitism leads to centralized systems, replacing democracy with technocracy and marketocracy.
Reclaiming Power
- Serious politics today must focus on restoring power to ordinary people.
- This involves reclaiming control from large enterprises and states.
Democracy vs. Capitalism
- Democracy and capitalism operate on different principles and are often at odds.
- Democracy values equality (one person, one vote), while capitalism values wealth (one dollar, one vote).