Right-wing populism
combination of right-wing politics and populist themes / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Right-wing populism is a political ideology that uses populist rhetoric and themes to promote right-wing politics. According to the definition of Dutch political scientist Cas Mudde, populism is a political ideology that divides society into two antagonistic entities: the people and the elites. From the right-wing perspective, political elites and the State are intrinsically corrupt and bureaucratic, therefore there is a rhetoric that appeals to individuals who identify with "anti-State" policies and the view that individuals with different political views are adversaries (commonly associating the later with globalism or the far-left).[1]
Much like left-wing populism, right-wing populism employs sentiments against elitism, opposition to the Establishment, and a discourse that seeks the sympathy of "ordinary people". However, right-wing populists generally focus on cultural issues, often claiming to defend traditional values and national identity against progressivism and multiculturalism while left-wing populists more often employ economic arguments and attack neoliberalism and the role of large corporations in society.[1]
Faced with contemporary dilemmas such as climate change and the struggle against pandemics, many right-wing populists remain anti-environmentalism[2] and against measures such as lockdowns and mandatory vaccination.[3] Crime is also a recurring issue among them, with their defense of law and order usually being punitivist.
Notable right-wing populists include Jair Bolsonaro,[4] Tucker Carlson,[5] Marine Le Pen,[6] Conor McGregor, Javier Milei,[7] Viktor Orbán,[8] Vladimir Putin, Andrew Tate,[9] and Donald Trump.[10]
In the United States, right-wing populism has become notable since the Tea Party movement formed during the Great Recession.[11] It was adopted by Donald Trump to win the 2016 United States presidential election, and is currently being used to win the 2024 United States presidential election.[12]