Populism vs Liberal Democracy: Rule over the people, in the Name of the People

Abstract

The rise of populism poses a significant challenge to liberal democracy, as populist leaders exploit social divisions, emotions, and unmet expectations to gain influence. While populists claim to support democracy, they often undermine liberal values by focusing on short-term gains rather than long-term reforms. To address these challenges, it is essential to strengthen economic freedom, individual liberty, and a value-based system of liberal democracy, as these elements foster societal resilience to populist influence and promote sustainable democratic progress.