“Us Versus Them”: Populism, Power, and the Erosion of Democracy
Populists focused on short-term political gains block actions that require cooperation between states and rational solutions. What do populists gain from weakening international relations?
Populists always play to their base, so it’s not that they „gain something.” Rather, they exploit fears about globalization and technocracies to instil fear in their base for political gain.
“Us versus Them” – By dividing society into “common people” and “the elites”, populists lead to the escalation of social conflicts, radicalization of public sentiment, and an increase in intolerance. How can we prevent social divisions and rising tensions?
Yes, populism is, at its core, an anti-elites movement. All kinds of elites are distrusted. Again, they hope to rally their base by attacking elites, blaming them for economic stagnation and a lack of opportunities.
For centuries, populists have pointed to specific social groups as “enemies of the state” – today, these include immigrants, ethnic minorities, and the LGBT community. What can be done to prevent increased violence against these groups?
Obviously, more education, responsible journalism and access to verified information are all essential. These groups have become scapegoats. It’s both alarming and deeply disappointing after decades of increasing tolerance.
Populists pursue nationalist policies, seeking to withdraw from international organizations or break treaties. How can we prevent state isolation and the intensification of global conflicts?
The answer is similar. We need to promote leaders who understand the international system of state relations. This requires educating voters and providing them with accurate, reliable information.
In order to gain support, populists promise unrealistic reforms, social handouts, or economic protectionism. The result is rising national debt, inflation, or market destabilization. Is it possible to convince people that, in the long run, this leads to disaster?
Yes, populists tend to oversimplify both the problem and the solutions. Competing with populist candidates in the elections is difficult, because they offer solutions that appeal to people due to their simplicity.
In their pursuit of power concentration, populists undermine the independence of courts, the media, and institutions such as parliaments or electoral bodies. Will the weakening of democracy and state institutions, and the rise of authoritarianism, become an unstoppable trend?
I hope not. The argument about the „deep state” has degenerated into a critique of democracy and checks and balances, rooted in the populists view that democracy is ineffective, and the state acts against the interests of the people. Once again, the solution lies in educating voters and promoting candidates who defend democracy.
Mauro F. Guillén is the Vice Dean of Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives. An expert on global market trends, sought-after speaker and consultant. He combines his training as a sociologist and business economist to methodically identify and quantify the most promising opportunities at the intersection of demographic, economic, and technological developments. His research has earned him many distinctions, including Fulbright, Rockefeller, and Guggenheim fellowships, a membership in the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, and prizes from the Academy of Management, the American Sociological Association, and the Social Science History Association. His book on 2030: How Today’s Biggest Trends Will Collide and Reshape the Future of Everything was an instant Wall Street Journal bestseller and a Financial Times Book of the Year.
Last Updated on March 2, 2026 by Anastazja Lach