What is Left Populism?
Left populism is a political style and set of ideas that divides society into two groups: the ordinary people and a powerful elite. In the left version, the elite is mainly defined in economic terms, such as large banks, corporations and the politicians seen as serving them. Many scholars describe populism as a thin ideology, meaning it has a simple core that attaches to a fuller host ideology. In left populism that host is usually some form of socialism or social democracy. Supporters argue that democracy has been captured by wealthy interests and must be returned to the majority.
Core beliefs
- Politics is a struggle between the common people and an economic and political elite.
- Wealth and income should be redistributed through taxes and public programs.
- Key services and sometimes strategic industries should be in public hands.
- Free trade agreements and financial markets often harm workers and should be limited.
- Popular participation, referendums and mass movements can renew democracy.
- Government should answer to the will of the majority rather than to experts or markets.
History
Several historical movements are often described as early forms of left populism. In nineteenth century Russia, the Narodniks believed that peasant communities could become the basis of a socialist society. In the United States, the People's Party, founded in 1892, represented farmers and called for a graduated income tax, public ownership of railroads and the direct election of senators. In Latin America in the twentieth century, leaders built broad movements of workers and the poor around nationalist and redistributive programs. In the late twentieth century, the political theorist Ernesto Laclau argued that populism is a way of building a political identity by uniting many demands against a common opponent. After the 2008 financial crisis, new left populist parties and movements gained support in parts of Southern Europe and the Americas.
Variants
Agrarian populism focused on farmers and rural debt. Latin American left populism often combined nationalism, state control of natural resources and large social programs. European left populism after 2008 focused on opposition to austerity and to the power of financial institutions. Some currents stress grassroots movements and direct democracy, while others rely on a strong leader who claims to speak for the people.
Criticisms
Critics on the right argue that left populist economic policies, such as price controls, large deficits and nationalization, can lead to inflation, shortages and lower investment. Liberal critics argue that the claim to represent a single will of the people can weaken courts, the press and opposition parties. Some critics on the left argue that populism replaces class analysis with a vague contrast between people and elite and that it can depend too much on charismatic leaders. Other scholars respond that populist movements can also bring excluded groups into politics and push established parties to address neglected issues.
In practice
Left populist ideas have influenced policy in several areas. The United States People's Party helped place the income tax and the direct election of senators on the national agenda, and both later became constitutional amendments. In Latin America, governments with left populist programs expanded social spending, nationalized energy resources and launched cash transfer programs. In Europe, left populist parties have pushed debates on debt relief, housing and minimum wages, sometimes as members of coalition governments.