THE rise of populism in the first two decades of the 21st century has badly damaged politics, economies as well as societies across the globe. What makes populism more dangerous is the ascent to power of populist leaders through democratic ways and means, which is a rather recent phenomenon.

Simply put, people have been tricked by populist leaders to vote them to power in the name of maximising the power of ordinary people and protecting their interests. The fact of the matter is that populist leaders merely mask their lust for power and their personal, political agenda behind such rhetoric.

That is how a cult is born, and whatever comes out of the mouth of the populist leader is taken by the people as some sort of a universal truth.

Historian and philosopher Isaiah Berlin was on the mark when he pointed out: “Populism is apolitical and populists use the state to pursue their goals. Populist movements stand for the majority, constituted by a group of perverted people against political, economic and cultural elite.”

Populist leaders tri to grab sympathies of the masses by giving them fake hopes. Populist politicians often capitalise on and exploit existing societal grievances, aiming at strengthening their electoral prospects and maintaining their hold on power.

They tend to often employ rhetoric and strategies that deepen divisions within society, rather than seeking to bridge them. Populist leaders tend to adopt an ‘us versus them’ narrative, pitting the people against perceived enemies, whether they are political opponents, minority communities, or international institutions.

By fuelling animosity and exacerbating societal divisions, populists severely hinder constructive dialogue, erode trust in democratic institutions, and hinder cooperation among different groups. In short, populism divides, polarises and fragments societies along social, political and economic lines.

Populist parties mostly have in their folds people who are generally ignorant of socioeconomic issues and believe in quick fixes to issues that never materialise.

They keep believing, and convincing the rest to share the belief, that their messiah would one day turn things around, and that the day is never too far. In Pakistan, we would do well to identify the populists among us, and, then, to stay away from them and their blind followers. As things stand, it is essential to promote democracy and counter the toxic wave of populism in the country.

Zakir Ullah
Mardan

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2024