Economics
Comparative Study of Populism in Europe and the Americas
Quick fact
In Latin America, populists like Evo Morales and Hugo Chávez gained power by championing the poor against a traditional elite, while in Europe, populists like Viktor Orbán and Marine Le Pen built support by defending national identity against immigration—and their policies on economics are often more centrist or even conservative.
Why this is interesting
Populism is booming on both sides of the Atlantic—yet in Europe it often champions restricting immigration, while in Latin America it frequently pushes for expanding social programs. Why does the same label describe such different political styles?