Re: What If? 2020
Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2022 3:36 am
Populism as a framework isn't really uniquely expressed on the right. In fact, it's probably been found just as obviously on the left in the positions expressed by many in the Green Party and fringe independent candidates. Sanders attracts populist support, and Bernie Bros are inherently populists in their opposition to corporate elites and the Democrat party mainstream. It's taking over the left in many ways. The framing, (evil elite) is oppressing (common good folk) is essentially what makes populism populism. It globs onto conservatism, progressivism, libertarianism, and just about any other -ism with ease by exploiting discontent. It tends to organize around someone who claims to speak for the common folk and represent their interests against the evil elite. But the populist opportunist uses their bully pulpit to demand action against an evil elite rather than speaking to actions founded on fundamental principles and democratic ideals.
Consider this with the definition of authoritarianism from the thread on Kotkin: Authoritarianism is the rule of the few in the name of the many. Populism is the vehicle authoritarians ride to take power. Totalitarianism is rule of the many by the few, which is the fear whipped up by authoritarian opportunists to mobilize them. Then the mob is placated into authoritarian rule by those who claim to represent them against those who opposed them as a totalitarian crisis averted is victory.
The defense against this is not found in counter-populist movements but in the strengthening of democratic institutions and ideals. The rule of the many by the many is only obtained through strong democratic institutions and commitments. When someone does wrong, partisanship takes a backseat to justice. When a chance to undermine the system presents a political opportunity, the commitment to libertarian democracy should demand one abstain. One doesn't attempt to overturn an election in Congress through a fabricated attempt to undermine the electoral college in 2016 or 2020 without eroding those institutions. Just as an example.
Consider this with the definition of authoritarianism from the thread on Kotkin: Authoritarianism is the rule of the few in the name of the many. Populism is the vehicle authoritarians ride to take power. Totalitarianism is rule of the many by the few, which is the fear whipped up by authoritarian opportunists to mobilize them. Then the mob is placated into authoritarian rule by those who claim to represent them against those who opposed them as a totalitarian crisis averted is victory.
The defense against this is not found in counter-populist movements but in the strengthening of democratic institutions and ideals. The rule of the many by the many is only obtained through strong democratic institutions and commitments. When someone does wrong, partisanship takes a backseat to justice. When a chance to undermine the system presents a political opportunity, the commitment to libertarian democracy should demand one abstain. One doesn't attempt to overturn an election in Congress through a fabricated attempt to undermine the electoral college in 2016 or 2020 without eroding those institutions. Just as an example.