In the current political landscape, the rise of populism has raised concerns about its implications for democracy and human rights. From the United States, to continental Europe, and all the way through the Middle East, there are ongoing calls to return to a past that has long been idealized.
As I doomscrolled through the news, my mind traitorously wandered to ABBA's upbeat anthem "Waterloo," with its line, "the history book on the shelf is always repeating itself." When I look at the patterns emerging in today’s international politics, it is hard not to see echoes of history, just as the lyrics suggest.
Humans have always had a tendency to idealize. Early documented religious practices prove that humans have always sought something bigger than ourselves: a figure to guide us and save us.
It is no wonder it has been translated to most areas of modern life, where politicians are often portrayed as saviors or heroes. But what is it about these figures that so deeply resonate with people, despite the often polarizing nature of their rhetoric?
Populism, while debated in academic circles, can be understood in various ways. The European Center for Populist Studies defines it as “the range of political stances that emphasize the idea of “the people” and often juxtapose this group against “the elite” [...] which presents “the people” as a morally good force and contrasts them against “the elite”, who are portrayed as corrupt and self-serving. Populists differ in how “the people” are defined, but it can be based along class, ethnic, or national lines.”
Gherghina et al. (2013) add that:
“Populism is generally encountered both in democracies and in authoritarian regimes, in parties and organised movements, in leaders (who may be more or less charismatic) and in political messages. [...] The center of attention in politics is occupied by [those] who are attracted to chunks of simplified information and commercials rather than to detailed and well-argued programs, to leaders rather than to organizations or institutions. Debates are replaced by polemics, political opponents become enemies and the political space turns into a populist Eden.”
In times of war and global disillusionment, people more than ever crave figures who offer simple solutions to complex problems. The characteristics of these political saviors often resemble those of fictional heroes: unbreakable, perfect, and capable of protecting “the people” against “the villains”. Overall, the mere existence of the hero exemplifies the existing polarization between the “us” and the “them”. We have been weaned on this polarization from childhood: if in a story there are villains, then there must be a hero.
Photo by Darren Halstead on Unsplash
This dichotomy of good versus evil is often present in populist rhetoric. These figures promise to take charge, disrupt the status quo, and restore order. They are framed as the defenders of “the people” against another social group, offering clarity in the midst of confusion. This "us versus them" narrative is not a new phenomenon; it has been central to populism for centuries.
One example can be found in the 1890s with the rise of the People’s Party in the United States. Populist leaders took the common farmers as their target groups and positioned them against the wealthy elite in the railroad industry which was blamed for economic inequality. While their efforts to address the problem were sincere, their suggested policies were risky and did not give sufficient evidence or consideration of the broader effects on the economic system.
Additionally, in Notes from the Underground (1864), Dostoevsky's sentiment “I am alone, and they are everybody” can exemplify this conceptual divide, showing how populism can thrive on collective identity versus the perceived enemy.
While the rise of populism often stems from simplistic narratives, it is important to recognize that these movements may also reflect genuine grievances like economic instability or impending wars. These feelings may drive many people toward leaders who promise a return to stability or a clearer sense of identity. In this sense, populism may be seen as a retort to real challenges, even if the solutions offered are often oversimplified.
Through tailored charismatic speeches, many of them create an image of themselves as larger-than-life figures capable of delivering bold promises. The hero archetype is deeply ingrained in their persona, and they often present themselves in a way that aligns with this narrative. They are the central figures in the social story of vengeance and redemption, positioned as the heroes who can restore national pride and provide the stability that their targeted group of people crave.
In "The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind" (1895), Gustave Le Bon argued that a group of like-minded people encourages collective unconsciousness, where people lose their sense of individuality and rationality, becoming more vulnerable and emotionally driven to appealing solutions. In some cases, the intense loyalty that populist leaders inspire can sometimes discourage critical assessment of their policies or actions.
The search for heroes often overshadows the true nature of politics: a process that requires compromise, collaboration, and the participation of many voices, not just one individual to “save” us.
The strength of democracy lies in its ability to adapt, having endured centuries of political challenges. To safeguard its future, however, we must break free from the cycle of idealizing leaders who offer one-size-fits-all answers.
History is not set in stone—it is shaped by the choices we make today. It only repeats itself if we fail to learn from its lessons and refuse to take a different path forward. To safeguard our democracies, it is crucial to resist the temptation of giving in to simplistic solutions, as it is never that easy. By doing so, we can build a world for future generations that values international cooperation over division, and democratic participation over the praising of singular heroes who, while shining brightly in the spotlight, risk leaving citizens behind in their shadow.
References
1- Dostoevsky, F. (1864). Notes from the underground (H. P. Blackmore, Trans.).
2- Gherghina, S., Miscoiu, S., & Soare, S. (Eds.). (2013). Contemporary populism: A controversial
concept and its diverse forms. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
3- European Center for Populist Studies. (n.d.). Populism.
4- https://www.populismstudies.org/Vocabulary/populism/Le Bon, G. (1895). The crowd: A study of the popular mind (D. C. McIver, Trans.)
Comentarios