Roundtable: Is anti-populism the way to react to populism?

Roundtable: Is anti-populism the way to react to populism?

Speakers:

Kirk Hawkins, Brigham Young University

Leonie de Jonge, University of Groningen

Giorgos Katsambekis, Loughborough University

Populist parties have become a permanent part of our political landscape with substantial impacts on the political mainstream. For example, the former president of the United States, Donald J. Trump, is often classified as a populist, while Marine Le Pen has become a viable contender for the French Presidential office. Simultaneously, many non-populist actors seem to adopt populist themes; populist ideology is mainstreaming. It appears that populism has become ubiquitous. While it may be fairly easy for conservative and centre-right parties to move to the right and use populist messages, other parties may find it harder. Similarly, parties with strong liberal traditions may not want to use populism as part of their strategy. The core question thus becomes: How can we deal with populism? How shall these parties react? Is it a task only for parties, or do other parts of society (including academics?) need to play a role?

In this panel, we focus on the anti-populist actors and on strategies for combating populism. We will discuss differences in actors’ reactions to populism, populists’ reaction to anti-populism and how successful mitigation strategies are.

Zoom link – [NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED]

https://radbouduniversity.zoom.us/j/81763189148?pwd=UkM3VWhoZjVFbHpYM29wc1Z0bW5EZz09