Populists Are Taking Over--Here's Why Democracy Is Failing

[Celerity]

Dissatisfied voters and outdated systems fuel populism’s rise. Can bold reforms restore trust in liberal democracy? A conversation with Mark Blyth.

https://www.socialeurope.eu/populists-are-taking-over-heres-why-democracy-is-failing



Henning Meyer: Mark Blyth, thank you very much for joining me today. We’re here to discuss the global ramifications of the second Trump presidency, particularly for the European Union, in the political and economic context we find ourselves in—or will find ourselves in shortly. Let’s begin with Trump’s “America First” agenda. How do you see this playing out in terms of trade policy, and what disruptions might this create for the EU? More importantly, how should the EU respond to mitigate these risks?

Mark Blyth: Thanks, Henning. Well, the EU has had four years to prepare for something like this—or at least to devise contingency plans. But here’s the thing: many seemed to assume that the election of Trump in 2016 was an aberration. That assumption was a mistake. Trumpism isn’t a fluke; it’s the new normal.

You see this reflected in Europe too. In the UK, Reform, led by Brexit’s architect, is gaining momentum. In France, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally could very well emerge as the leading party. Austria’s politics are shifting, and even Germany’s AfD, while geographically limited, highlights broader trends. Yet, there’s a persistent denialism in Europe—a belief that populism is a passing phase. That complacency has left the EU ill-prepared for what might come next.

The challenge is compounded by the sheer unpredictability of Trump’s presidency. His administration is filled with individuals who, frankly, seem intent on antagonising Europe. And then there’s Trump himself—a wildcard. It’s not beyond imagination that he could declare a national emergency on dubious grounds or take drastic steps we can’t yet anticipate.

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[gab13by13]

1. Steve Bannon is a populist, Elon Musk is not

Musk and his billionaire friends will demolish the populists.

[enid602]

3. National Guard

I believe Trump’s effort to gain control of the National Guard will be to control MAGA, not to drive or immigrants.

[Ping Tung]

2. The French and Russian revolutions were populist. Then came the guillotines and gulags.