Populism and the Failures of Democracy Cover Image

Populism and the Failures of Democracy
Populism and the Failures of Democracy

Author(s): Nicholas T. Parsons
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences
Published by: BL Nonprofit Kft

Summary/Abstract: Chambers Dictionary defines a populist as “someone who believes in the right and ability of the common people to play a major part in governing themselves”. “It is understandable that advocates of Brussels’ centralist government should regard this as a term of abuse but why do you all continue to portray populism as some sort of extremist and undesirable activity?” complains the writer of a letter to the Financial Times. Eric Foner of Columbia University says that the word “populist” has simply become “a term of disdain employed by purveyors of a presupposed consensus seeking to disparage popular passions… [the opposite of populist thus becomes the voter who is] responsible or middle of the road or rational” – or in other words, agrees with me.

  • Issue Year: V/2014
  • Issue No: 05
  • Page Range: 48-64
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: English