This lecture examines populism as a thin-centered ideology structured around a moralized opposition between “the people” and “the elite.” It traces the historical development of populist movements, differentiates left and right-wing variants, and analyses contemporary demand and supply-side drivers. The session explores how media environments shape populist communication and assesses the political and institutional consequences of populism within democratic systems, including polarisation, norm erosion, and shifts in party competition. Empirical cases from Europe, the Americas, and beyond illustrate these dynamics. A subsequent session will apply these concepts through a practical coding exercise analysing populist content in political speeches.
This lecture is part of the new joint course titled “Academic Freedom at Risk”, developed within Democracy Knowledge Hub, and it is open to entire Circle U. community.
Keynote speaker:
- Lars V. Johannsen, Aarhus University
