The Global Resurgence of Populism
Populism, often viewed negatively due to its ambiguous nature, has been a recurring political phenomenon for centuries. While it may seem like a recent trend, history tells us otherwise—populist movements have gained traction in various eras, including during Europe's interwar period. Today, however, we are witnessing yet another global resurgence. So, what exactly is fueling this comeback?
Populism Through History
Although populism may seem like a contemporary political trend, its roots run deep in history. Economic and social crises have repeatedly created fertile ground for populist movements. In the early 20th-century, figures like Juan Domingo Perón in Argentina rose to power by appealing to the working class and positioning themselves against the establishment.
During Europe's interwar period, populist rhetoric surged as economic instability and nationalist sentiment fueled leaders such as Benito Mussolini in Italy and Adolf Hitler in Germany, who promised strong, decisive action. More recently, late 20th-century Latin America experienced waves of populism, with leaders like Hugo Chávez capitalizing on economic grievances and distrust of traditional elites.
These historical examples demonstrate that populism is not an anomaly but a cyclical phenomenon that emerges in response to societal discontent.
The Digital Revolution: A Double-Edged Sword
One of the most significant factors behind the rise of populism is the digital revolution, which is reshaping how political messages are spread, consumed and reinforced. The internet—particularly social media—has given political leaders an unprecedented platform to engage directly with citizens, bypassing traditional media and institutions.
This direct access allows populist figures such as Donald Trump in the United States or Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil to present themselves as the “voice of the people,” often using emotionally charged rhetoric to strengthen their appeal, which, in both Trump's and Bolsonaro's cases is primarily characterized by anger.
The accessibility of online platforms has also empowered populist movements worldwide. Whether through viral speeches, incendiary tweets or coordinated digital campaigns, populist leaders can now rally support on an unprecedented scale—often by capitalizing on public discontent and offering simplistic solutions to complex issues, primarily through the use of misinformation, as this article from The Guardian indicates. The ability to reach millions instantly amplifies their influence and helps them maintain a constant presence in public discourse.
At the same time, the digital landscape fosters an environment where misinformation spreads rapidly. Algorithms designed to maximize engagement often promote sensational or polarizing content, reinforcing users’ existing beliefs instead of exposing them to diverse perspectives. This echo chamber creates fertile ground for populist narratives, making people more susceptible to emotionally charged, factually dubious claims that align with their frustrations and fears.
It is so good to have the Venezuela Hostages back home and, very important to note, that Venezuela has agreed to receive, back into their Country, all Venezuela illegal aliens who were encamped in the U.S., including gang members of Tren de Aragua. Venezuela has further agreed to…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 1, 2025
Economic Precarity and the Politics of Despair
The world is still grappling with the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which worsened economic inequalities and heightened financial insecurity. Historically, economic instability has been a key driver of populism, and today is no exception.
Leaders such as Marine Le Pen in France and Viktor Orbán in Hungary have capitalized on economic frustrations to rally support for their populist agendas. Orbán, for example, has capitalized on frustration with the neoliberal system and mixed it with state-driven policies, winning over a lot of Hungarian voters. Le Pen, meanwhile, has focused on economic nationalism and welfare policies, which have helped her attract support from the working class.
Moreover, economic hardship often weakens trust in institutions. As governments struggle to provide stability, citizens become more receptive to political figures who offer bold but often unrealistic promises. This erosion of trust in established institutions plays directly into the hands of populists, who thrive on anti-elitist rhetoric and calls for sweeping systemic change.
Apprehension About the Future
Beyond economic concerns, a broader sense of uncertainty about the future is also fueling populism’s resurgence. Unlike in past eras, where religious or ideological frameworks often provided stability, today’s mainstream society places less faith in traditional structures. This has created a vacuum in which political figures—particularly populist leaders—position themselves as the sole saviors capable of restoring order and security.
In times of crisis, people tend to seek strong leadership, often prioritizing emotional appeal over policy depth. Populist leaders capitalize on this by deploying nationalist rhetoric, pledging to reclaim sovereignty or adopting anti-immigration stances—tapping into the collective unease of uncertain times.
The resurgence of populism is no coincidence; it is the result of a perfect storm of digital transformation, economic vulnerability and widespread uncertainty. While populist movements may promise to address these challenges, history shows that their solutions are often short-term and reactionary.
