Has Populism Won?: The War on Liberal Democracy

In the shadow of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, two experts show us how and why global populism has taken root and what it will take to turn the tide

From Trumpian America to Putin’s nationalist Russia, and from Poland to the Philippines, rapid change and rising inequality have fueled a retreat into tribalist nationalism fed by a fear of being left behind. Populist leaders reach into this fear, using it as a lever to power with empty promises of looking out for the little person and promising a return to national greatness. This is happening in countries spread across the globe and the political spectrum, arising in the right and the left alike, and recently brought into harsh relief against Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. So why are we so susceptible to this pernicious political style at this moment? How did we get here? And more importantly, will we get back to more even-handed governments?

Filled with original research, political scientists Drache and Froese have written a chilling, compelling analysis of the rise of populism, and reveal what it will take to douse the flames. This is an essential read for anyone concerned about the encroachments on freedom and the rule of law around the world.

About the Author :
Daniel Drache is professor emeritus of political science and senior research fellow at the Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies at York University in Toronto. He is the author of over twenty books on social policy and international affairs. He lives in Toronto.

Marc D. Froese the Professor of Political Science and the Founding Director of the International Studies Program at Burman University in Alberta. He is the author of three books and dozens of articles on international trade and political economy. He lives in Lacombe, AB.

Review :
“Daniel Drache and Marc Froese have written an essential primer on modern populist authoritarianism. They unpack its origins, its internal dynamics, and its likely evolution, demonstrating why it poses a mortal threat to liberal democracy. We can’t defend the freedoms and institutions we treasure if we don’t accurately understand why they’re in danger. This book is a vital contribution to that defense.” — Thomas Homer-Dixon, executive director, Cascade Institute, author of Commanding Hope: The Power We Have to Renew a World in Peril “Written by political scientists Daniel Drache of York University and Marc Froese of Burman University in Lacombe, this engaging and disturbing book is a warning that “the past decade will be remembered by historians for the fact that the populist insurgency held a knife to the throat of liberal democracy and got away with it.” — Alberta Views