A Pandemic of Populists
Over the last decade, the world has watched in shock as populists swept to power in free elections. From Manila to Warsaw, Brasilia to Budapest, the populist tide has shattered illusions of an inexorable march to liberal democracy. Eschewing simplistic notions of a unified global populism, this book unpacks the diversity and plurality of populisms. It highlights the variety of constitutional and extraconstitutional strategies that populists have used to undermine the institutional fabric of liberal democracy and investigates how ruling populists responded to the Covid-19 crisis. Outlining the rise of populisms and their governing styles, Wojciech Sadurski focuses on what populists in power do, rather than what they say. Confronting one of the most pressing concerns of international politics, this book offers a vibrant, contemporary account of modern populisms and, significantly, considers what we can do to fight back.
- Accessibly describes both the academic theory of populism and contemporary examples of populists in power
- Draws upon cases from Central Europe, Latin America and Asia, showing the varieties of populisms in different countries and also highlighting their commonalities
- Establishes coherent standards for understanding both the rhetorical and institutional dimensions of populism in power, demonstrating how populists dismantle the constraints of power without dismantling democratic institutions
Reviews & endorsements
'A renowned expert in constitutionalism, Wojciech Sadurski offers a sophisticated analysis of populism as it pertains to the current situation, particularly in Poland and Hungary, but also in India, the Philippines, Brazil and Venezuela. This innovative analysis of the relationship of populists in power to courts is complemented by equally original discussion of populism in the time of COVID, and of the antidotes that might work against populists in and out of power. The book is excellent and should be read by everyone interested in the topic.' Jean L. Cohen, Columbia University
'In this thoroughly researched and powerfully argued book, prominent constitutional scholar Wojciech Sadurski reveals and exploits the flaws of populist governance. His central argument is that it is populists in power, rather than liberal democracies or classical authoritarian regimes such as China and Vietnam, that were least successful in dealing with the pandemic. But he is also cautious to warn us that populists' failure does not necessary lead to the electoral defeat of populist regimes.' Ivan Krastev, the author of Is It Tomorrow Yet? (2020)
'Wojciech Sadurski is one of the world's leading constitutional theorists; not for nothing has he been subject to the wrath of right-wing populists in his native Poland. With this masterful volume, he brings together a sophisticated analysis of what populists in power do to institutions with personal stories as well as new ideas how to defeat populists.' Jan-Werner Mueller, Princeton University
'In its attention to both the similarities and the differences among populist regimes around the world, this comparative analysis offers a skillful portrait of the diversity of modern populisms … Recommended.' S. Mitropolitski, Choice
Product details
July 2022Hardback
9781009224505
212 pages
235 × 158 × 18 mm
0.52kg
Available
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Table of Contents
- 1. Why populisms?
- 2. The war on institutions
- 3. Constitutions: breaches, abuses, and literal democracy
- 4. Courts: the least resilient branch
- 5. Paranoia
- 6. Democracy diseased: populism in the time of Covid
- 7. Antidotes, remedies, and miracles
- Annex: country selection explanation.
