Economics
The Rise of Populism and Its Effects on Liberal Institutions
Quick fact
Since 2015, a wave of populist leaders has emerged in democracies, and in many countries like Hungary and Poland, judicial independence scores have dropped sharply, showing a measurable decline in institutional checks on power.
Why this is interesting
Elections are meant to keep power in check, yet around the world, leaders who win at the ballot box are slowly dismantling the very institutions that make democracy fair. How does this happen without losing public support?
Read the full explanation
Understanding The Rise of Populism and Its Effects on Liberal Institutions
Imagine a football game where one team not only plays but also owns the stadium, hires the referees, and writes the rules. That's how populism can reshape a democracy. Initially, populist leaders win elections by claiming to represent 'the people' against an out-of-touch elite. They then use that electoral mandate to gain control over institutions that are supposed to be impartial, like courts, media regulators, and civil service commissions. By appointing loyalists, rewriting appointment rules, or changing budgets, they erode the institutions' independence while still appearing to follow legal procedures. The result is a system where elections remain, but meaningful checks and balances fade away.
A deeper explanation
The mechanism behind populism's effect on liberal institutions lies in its foundational worldview: a moral frontier dividing 'the pure people' from 'the corrupt elite.' This narrative gives populist leaders a rationale to bypass or capture institutions that they claim serve the elite, such as constitutional courts, independent media, and electoral commissions. The key processes include delegitimization (labeling institutions as biased or corrupt), politicization (packing them with loyalists), and legal manipulation (amending constitutions or laws to expand executive power). Over time, this reduces institutional trust, even among supporters, and undermines the rule of law. Why does this matter? Because independent institutions are fundamental to ensuring that majority will doesn't trample minority rights or individual freedoms. Without them, democracies can drift into 'illiberalism' where leaders are elected but no longer sufficiently constrained.