What makes populist ideas appealing?
Brazil has recently elected Jair Bolsonaro, known to many as a fascist. His victory is the latest in a series of triumphs for populist leaders across the world. From the Philippines and USA to the heart of Europe, the appeal of liberal democracy seems to be declining as people continue to elect leaders who hold disdain for democratic values and manufacture and promote fear among populations.
In the United States, Donald Trump seeks to maintain his party’s supremacy in Congress by presenting the migrant caravan as a threat to America.
The world must not give in to such theatrics or fear. It must resist the rise of populism. In order to do so, the liberals must find out what went wrong and what makes populist ideas so appealing to people in many parts of the world.
Tahfim Ahsan
By e-mail
