Populism as a Political Term and in the Context of the State of Democracy in Israel
Populism as a Political Term and in the Context of the State of Democracy in Israel

Summary/Abstract: This article delves into populism as a contemporary political term, focusing on its Western manifestation within Israel's political landscape. Drawing on a comprehensive literature review, the author distinguishes populism from historical connotations and employs a theoretical-philosophical approach, utilizing Israel as a case study. The study emphasizes the elusiveness of populism, rooted in its linguistic and cultural dimensions. The author contends that populism transcends traditional political divisions, illustrating this through examples from Israeli politics. Examining the role of language in shaping political thought, the paper invokes Wittgenstein's philosophy, asserting that populism's impact is deeply ingrained in social and cultural contexts. The article navigates through the complexities of populism in democracies, distinguishing between 'substantial' and 'skinny' democracies. It concludes by emphasizing the need to understand populism beyond mere rhetoric, acknowledging its intricate connection with societal structures and urging a nuanced cross-country analysis.

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