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Populism in power—A comparative analysis of populist governance

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  • Wolfgang Muno
  • Christian Pfeiffer

Abstract

In this paper, we seek to explore whether populism, when in power, is guided by a particular logic of governance that can be derived from the logic of populism itself. To this end, we develop an ideal type of populist governance and apply it to case studies of India, the United States, Venezuela, and Hungary. Methodologically, the cross-regional comparison with a Most Different Systems Design is carried out through a structured, focused comparison. We conclude that populism in power has a tendency toward autocracy that is inherent in populist governance logic. This may manifest itself “only†in democratic backsliding or regression, that is, in a deterioration of the quality of democracy, but it can also lead to autocratization.

Suggested Citation

  • Wolfgang Muno & Christian Pfeiffer, 2022. "Populism in power—A comparative analysis of populist governance," International Area Studies Review, Center for International Area Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, vol. 25(4), pages 261-279, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:intare:v:25:y:2022:i:4:p:261-279
    DOI: 10.1177/22338659221120067
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    1. repec:cup:apsrev:v:64:y:1970:i:04:p:1033-1053_13 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Graham, Matthew H. & Svolik, Milan W., 2020. "Democracy in America? Partisanship, Polarization, and the Robustness of Support for Democracy in the United States," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 114(2), pages 392-409, May.
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