#Populism - what is it?

More and more political commentators are referring to the rise of populist parties - the rise of populism. It is a term typically used in a condescending way by political elites - as something to be feared or resisted. It is a term our own BBC are determined to use in their reporting. (of course many see the BBC as part of the sneering political liberal elite establishment).

To many the Brexit referendum result is seen as a populist backlash. Trump is explained as a manifestation of populism as is Jeremy Corbyn (by some). In early 2019 there are a number of EU countries going to the polls and many pundits are predicting further and significant electoral success for populist parties - be they on the left or on the right. To say the least the EU establishment - the EU machine - the EU bureaucracy - that rule our lives are worried about it.

So what is populism? 

It can be defined as "a political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups."

Here are a few other relevant explanations :

• In politics, populism refers to a range of approaches which emphasise the role of "the people" and often juxtapose this group against "the elite". There is no single definition of the term, which developed in the 19th century and has been used to mean various things since that time. Few politicians or political groups describe themselves as "populists", and in political discourse the term is often applied to others pejoratively.
• A common framework for interpreting populism is known as the ideational approach: this defines populism as an ideology which presents "the people" as a morally good force against "the elite", who are perceived as corrupt and self-serving. Populists differ in how "the people" are defined, but it can be based along class, ethnic, or national lines. Populists typically present "the elite" as comprising the political, economic, cultural, and media establishment, all of which are depicted as a homogenous entity and accused of placing the interests of other groups—such as foreign countries or immigrants—above the interests of "the people". According to this approach, populism is a thin-ideology which is combined with other, more substantial thick ideologies such as nationalism, liberalism, or socialism. Thus, populists can be found at different locations along the left–right political spectrum and there is both left-wing populism and right-wing populism.
• Populism is a worldwide revolt of the majority (or “plebs” as the governing class call them) feeling disrespected, ignored, and oppressed by the political ruling class, social influencers for the governing class, and international economic power brokers. LePen in France is one recognized leader of the populist movement, Brexit was a nation wide example of a populist movement succeeding politically.
  

What is good about populism?

The main good is that populism brings to the fore issues that large numbers of the population evidently care about and the political elites want to avoid discussing (for their own vested interest or because they feel they know what is best - either practically or morally - and the plebs needed leading). Think of migration/immigration to the right or anti austerity to the left.

What is wrong with populism? One view :- 

Nothing in principle, a lot in practice. The problem with populism is that it is typically usurped and used to eliminate freedom and persecute minorities (historical). Usually the goals are nebulous and hence are not really achievable. Frequently, populism has been used to support authoritarian regimes.

As with all political theories there are masses of articles written about populism. The emergence of Hitler no less for instance. I recommend you do your own research.

For myself I can see where it can go wrong. However I feel the British people have a natural - an inbuilt resistance to the worst of populism - so I am not concerned of its (so called) emergence. (However I would be concerned for the populist tide (actually potential anarchy) that would be unleashed if our democracy is trashed by politicians failing to deliver a proper Brexit.)

As you know I am 100% behind Brexit. I think it is logical, rational, objective and fair. There is nothing wrong with the people wanting to be sovereign again. That is not radical or justification to denigrate us as populists. There is nothing wrong with wanting to control our borders again - not least because the people know from experience that uncontrolled migration has been / is bad for our country and our way of life - even if the political elites and vested interests perversely choose to deny it.