The Responsibility of Established Elites for the Rise of Populism in Europe Cover Image

Odgovornost etabliranih elit za vzpon populizma v Evropi
The Responsibility of Established Elites for the Rise of Populism in Europe

Author(s): Matevž Tomšič
Subject(s): Political Theory, Governance, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Present Times (2010 - today)
Published by: Študijski center za narodno spravo
Keywords: populism; elites; democracy; Europe;

Summary/Abstract: The article examines the role of the established elites in the process of the spread of populism in Europe. The author argues that populism is not so much a cause as a symptom of a crisis of democracy. The ineffectiveness and irresponsibility of the traditional political parties and the weakness of leadership by the established political elites have contributed significantly to the popularity of the populist messages. Populist political figures are taking advantage of the declining trust in political institutions, which is linked to their sub-optimal performance, especially in crisis situations.

  • Issue Year: 6/2022
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 167-190
  • Page Count: 24
  • Language: Slovenian