How Populism Played Out In Different Elections And Why

Research suggests populism has been steadily growing since the 60s, and it will continue to do so. Today is still often too small to win outrights but large enough to upend the politics of a country, Max Fisher and Amanda Taub argue for The New York Times.

"Western populism may be entering something like its awkward teenage years — able to borrow the car but not own it, have an influence on the household but be too young to run it."

Winning or losing depends not just on the popular support, but also the political system. Four elections in the past year show different scenarios and reveal an important message: It's not only about taking power.

France: A Gradual Gain

The process has been so gradual that was barely noticed until now.

In France, populism is large enough to reframe politics — and win the presidential election's first round — but, according to the journalists, is still too small to win.

U.S.A.: The Key Is On The System

Donald Trump's support was on par with Marine Le Pen's, but two things happened:

• The Republican Party, unlike France's center-right parties, saw little choice but to back Trump.
• The Electoral College system meant that Trump could win even while losing the popular vote.

The Netherlands: Advancing Policies

Western leaders celebrated Dutch elections as a sign that populism tide had been turned back. However, populists policies advanced. When populists parties became strong, other forces might feel the need to co-opt their message to win.

U.K.: Reshaping Politics

An example of what can happen when parties fear that they could lose power and co-opt populists' appeals.

UKIP had won only a 13 percent of votes in 2015, but it proved that populist parties don't need to take power to reshape politics. When the correct forces align, they are powerful enough. 

An interesting piece to understand the intertwined relationship between populism and modern politics.