64 Questions to Populism (Questions to Political Science) - Softcover

Lutsenko, Dmytro

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798195189648

Publisher: Independently published, 2026

Synopsis

64 Questions to Populism offers a structured and analytically rigorous introduction to one of the most contested concepts in contemporary political science. Bringing together theoretical debates, empirical research, and comparative perspectives, the book guides readers through the complexity of populism as both a political practice and an object of scholarly inquiry. Rather than presenting populism as a fixed or settled category, it treats it as a phenomenon that operates across multiple dimensions — ideological, discursive, organisational, and institutional — and whose meaning remains shaped by ongoing academic and political disagreement.

Organised around sixty-four carefully formulated questions, the volume invites readers to engage actively with the subject. It begins by addressing foundational conceptual issues, examining how populism has been defined, how it differs from related phenomena, and why it resists clear classification. It then traces the historical evolution of populism across different regions and periods, before turning to the conditions that generate populist support, including economic inequality, cultural conflict, institutional distrust, and the effects of globalisation and digital transformation.

Subsequent chapters analyse the strategies through which populist actors mobilise support, focusing on leadership, communication, and the use of digital media to bypass traditional gatekeepers. The book also explores what happens when populists enter government, comparing their interaction with democratic institutions across different regime types and assessing the extent to which they reshape or undermine liberal democratic norms. A comparative perspective runs throughout, highlighting variations between left- and right-wing populism, as well as between democratic and authoritarian contexts.

Written in a clear and accessible style without sacrificing analytical depth, 64 Questions to Populism is designed for students, researchers, and general readers seeking to understand why populism has become such a powerful force in contemporary politics. By framing the subject through open and carefully structured questions, the book encourages critical engagement and avoids simplistic conclusions, offering instead a framework for thinking about how populism emerges, evolves, and shapes the future of democratic governance.

Edition details

• Publisher: Independently published
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798195189648
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 372