January 19th, 2021

Populism: Why does it seem so important?

Discussion moderated by Dr Giovanni Picker

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Donald Trump politically instigating violence; the Brexit referendum campaign; Viktor Orban establishing, in his own words, an "illiberal democracy", but also Obama's "We, the people" famous discourse, and a long list of other leaders around the world massively mobilizing large groups of people -- populism is one of the most widely debated political phenomena in both the media and academia. There seems to be a right-wing populism and left-wing populism, but what's the difference, if any? Is populism a synonymous of radicalism? Extremism, perhaps? Is it simply the power of the populus (Latin for large group of people)? Is such an all-embracing concept of any use?

Bring your own views, your sharp curiosity and your listening skills, because in this Cafe conversation we're going to discuss a very timely and important issue!

All welcome!