Multiple Traditions in Populism Research: Toward a Theoretical Synthesis

Abstract

This contribution to the APSA Comparative Politics Newsletter provides an introduction to the conceptualization of populism. As we explain, there are three main traditions in populism research: populism as a political strategy, populism as a political ideology, and populism as a discursive style. Each of these traditions imply different levels of analysis. Among other things, we advocate adopting a minimal definition of populism that treats populism as an attribute of political claims rather than actors.

Keywords: Populism, Discourse, Mobilization