Populism and Democracy: Not the Same but Interconnected

Abstract

This chapter discusses differences and similarities between democracy and populism with regards to their definitions, main goals, types of actors, structures, and main constituencies. Special focus is devoted to the functions democracy and populism play in the politics of sovereign countries. As the chapter argues, democracy calls for the implementation of political freedoms, rights, and political inclusiveness. In contrast, the spontaneous actions of populism appeal to popular agendas and often use disfranchised populations to achieve political goals.

Citation

Wejnert, B. (2014), "Populism and Democracy: Not the Same but Interconnected", The Many Faces of Populism: Current Perspectives (Research in Political Sociology, Vol. 22), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 143-161. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0895-993520140000022006