PO102 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Islamophobia, Negative And Positive Rights, George Soros
Populism
The rise of populism in the Western World- A Long Time in the Making
Why surge in Populism?
-1990 globalization shattered the post WWII consensus
1. Globalization has driven ‘the greatest reshuffle of individual incomes since the
Industrial Revolution
2. The rise of inequality
-Post-materialism and the rise of identity politics
1. Withdrawal of class politics and undermining of the traditional left party programs.
All of these paved ways for the establishment of the European Union (EU). It was for peace
because of the wars that were witnessed during the early 20th century.
Note: EU is not democratic. The leaders are there for their own global interests.
Causes of Populism
-Independent Variables: globalization
-Intermediate
-Dependent
The EU challenges
-EU-USA Relations
-EU-Russia
-Financial crisis
-Refugee
-Legitimacy of the EU:
1. Prosperity
2. Democracy and effectiveness:
1. Constitution
2. Enlargement
Populism is: an ideology that separates society into two homogenous camps/groups, ‘the
pure people’ and the ‘corrupt elite’ and that holds that politics should be an expression of the
‘general will’ off the (right kind of) people. In principle, populism presents itself as
democratic but is always illiberal. Jan-Werner Muller
Respectable Racism
-Politicians have allowed xenophobia, islamophobia and antisemitism to enter the
mainstream as a result of their toxic and divisive campaigning, according to Lady
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Warsi. She told the Guardian that she was deeply worried about the current political
climate, claiming a surge in ‘respectable racism’ was feeding the far right.
Europe’s Dangerous Nostalgia
-The rise of illiberal popular nationalism
-Brussels bashing
-Dislike/fear of immigrants in eastern parts of Europe
-Muslim bashing in western parts of Europe
The Power of Language
Blacks, Hispanics and women are more offended by the use of language in the US
Denise Macshane on the Rise of Populism in European
-He blames the EU for being idiots
Populist, Extremist Parties (PEPS) in Europe
-They share two core features:
1. They fiercely oppose immigration and rising ethnic and cultural diversity.
2. And they pursue a populist ‘anti-establishment’ strategy that attacks mainstream
parties.
-Ultimately, they are ambivalent if not hostile towards liberal representative
democracy.
-Contrary to the conventional wisdom that these citizens are motivated by feelings of
economic competition from immigrants and minority groups, feelings of cultural
threat is the most important driver of their support.
Supporters of Populism
-Lower-middle class
-Skilled or unskilled working-class men
-Citizens who lack formal qualifications
-Economically insecure
Responses to Populism
-Exclusion
-Diffusion
-Adoption
-Principled narrative about shared benefits
-Engagement at the grassroots level
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-Diverse community interaction
-Jan-Werner Muller on what is to be done.
Conclusion
-Populist surge in Europe and the USA is still democratic but illiberal response to
decades of undemocratic liberal policies.
-Th only way to fight the populist tide is to re-politicize the crucial issues of the 21st
century Europe: immigration. Neoliberal economics and European integration.
-In the past 20 years, those issues were accepted as solved and dealt with in a
politically correct way.
-They will have to be brought back into the electoral realm by offering coherent
alternatives to simplistic populist calls for closing boarders, leaving the EU, and
protecting the economy.
Chapter 11: Voting, Elections and Political Parties part 2
Final exam exercise
Welfare state: state that allows free market to exist. After the Second World War, it became
prevalent. Ideological justification is Reform Liberalism (positive rights). It combines the
principles of free market and laissez faire to function and is focused on providing social
support and welfare services for citizens.
Single member plurality electoral system or first-past-the-post: Canada is an example.
Consider the characteristics of Canada’s political system. Merit: it is more efficient. More
than two candidates contest. Two main parties. Four years term.
By Prof: It is also known as first-past-the-post. It is used in more than 50 countries of the
world. The votes in this system determine the political winner. Winning more seats in the
parliament does not mean they won in the general election. It favours accountability and
efficiency of the government.
Political parties: organizations of politically minded people who seek political power and
public office in order to realize their politics.
For instance:
-People and politics:
Mass participation in politics
1. 30% apathetic
2. 60% spectators
3. 5-7% gladiators
All in all, no more than 20% of the population regularly engages in political issues.
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Document Summary
The rise of populism in the western world- a long time in the making. 1990 globalization shattered the post wwii consensus: globalization has driven the greatest reshuffle of individual incomes since the. Post-materialism and the rise of identity politics: withdrawal of class politics and undermining of the traditional left party programs. All of these paved ways for the establishment of the european union (eu). It was for peace because of the wars that were witnessed during the early 20th century. The leaders are there for their own global interests. Legitimacy of the eu: prosperity, democracy and effectiveness, constitution, enlargement. Populism is: an ideology that separates society into two homogenous camps/groups, the pure people" and the corrupt elite" and that holds that politics should be an expression of the. General will" off the (right kind of) people. In principle, populism presents itself as democratic but is always illiberal.
