The The Rise of Populism in Pakistan: Implications for Democracy

Abstract

Abstract

This article assesses the political rise of populism in Pakistan and its consequences for the democratic governance. Populism is conceptualized as an ideology that dichotomizes society into two homogeneous and antagonistic groups: THE PURE PEOPLE and the corrupt elite. It not only sets up a moral difference between these groups, but is also in the process of valorizing and legitimizing the populace while demeaning the elite. The article defines the main characteristics that populist leaders and their audience exhibit and why the former are appealing and how the latter is mobilized. Populism is not necessarily anti-democratic, but does threaten the liberal democratic ideal of protecting individual rights. Often, populists are supporters of the needs of the majority or native groups, often at the cost of the individual liberties and of diverse interests. Furthermore, the article identifies the underlying drivers of contemporary populism, categorizing them into three broad dimensions: Globalization and its consequences in economic stagnation and inequality, the diminishment of political parties and a ‘cultural backlash’ towards progressive values.

Keywords: populism, democracy, populist leaders, populist supporters, globalization, economic inequality, progressive values, political parties