VoxTalks Economics S8 Ep60: The planet has a problem with populism
Nov 19, 2025
Join economist Sergei Guriev, an expert on the political economy of populism, and political scientist Catherine de Vries, who studies the drivers of populist support. They dive into the rising tide of populism and its implications on climate policy. Explore how economic crises fuel populist narratives and the challenges they pose for democracy and sustainability. They discuss the critical need for clearer communication and inclusive policies to balance climate action with public support, revealing a complex relationship between populism and environmental priorities.
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Populism Has Reached An All-Time High
- Populist vote share in Europe roughly doubled in the 21st century, reaching about 25–30%.
- Around a quarter of countries in a major sample are now run by populists, affecting policy and investment.
Populism Centers On People Vs Elite
- Modern populism is a thin-centered ideology dividing society into 'pure people' and 'corrupt elites'.
- It pairs anti-elitism with claims of homogeneity that push anti-pluralist politics.
Italy's Local Service Cuts Fueled Populist Votes
- Italy forced small municipalities to co-deliver services, causing many local offices and patrols to close.
- Catherine de Vries shows those service cuts increased support for populist right parties locally.