How big is the threat? Evidence from global data
The threat is substantial and measurable. A study of 66 countries and over 200 executive leaders found that populist leadership is strongly linked to lower environmental performance, even after controlling for other factors [5]. This matters because environmental policy is a concrete indicator of how well democratic institutions function—populist leaders tend to reject 'green' policies promoted by 'corrupt elites' and erode the democratic mechanisms that typically produce better environmental outcomes [5].
In the realm of international cooperation, right-wing populist governments contribute significantly smaller proportions of their assessed dues to UN peacekeeping operations. Analysis of 50 UN peacekeeping operations from 1991 to 2019 shows this effect is specific to right-wing populism, not left-wing populism [1]. The study also found that stronger democratic institutions can constrain this behavior, meaning the threat is worse where democratic checks are already weak [1].
How does right-wing populism actually damage democratic institutions?
Right-wing populism damages democracy through several distinct mechanisms. First, populist leaders claim to represent the 'will of the people' in an immediate, authentic way that bypasses traditional constitutional checks and balances. Research on the Alternative for Germany shows this creates a 'state of exception' that uses emotionally charged friend-enemy distinctions, which can trigger radical political change and undermine rule-based democracy [2].
Second, populism erodes the core pillars of liberal democracy. A comprehensive study of populist governments in Europe and Latin America from 1995 to today found that populism in power has a negative impact on electoral, liberal, and deliberative models of democracy [8]. This means it weakens free and fair elections, limits civil liberties, and reduces the quality of public debate.
Third, right-wing populism fosters anti-cosmopolitan policies that harm international institutions. In the United States, the Trump administration's actions—including attempts to overturn the 2020 election and the January 6, 2021 insurrection—created conditions where anti-democratic measures could overcome weakening democratic institutions [6]. The paper notes that America is 'increasingly taking on authoritarian tendencies that have already played out in countries such as Hungary and Poland' [6].
Can liberal democracies defend themselves?
Yes, but it requires deliberate action. The same research that identifies the threat also points to solutions. Stronger democratic institutions can constrain right-wing populists' ability to reduce support for international cooperation [1]. This means investing in robust democratic checks and balances—independent courts, free media, and strong civil society—can limit the damage.
One proposed strategy is 'soft containment' by ordinary citizens. A 2024 study argues that reasonable citizens have a 'duty of pressure' to engage with supporters of right-wing populism, using tailored rhetorical strategies to change their minds [7]. This approach emphasizes that defending liberal democracy isn't just the job of institutions—it requires active participation from citizens.
Addressing the root causes also matters. The 2008 financial crisis, the 2015 refugee crisis, and debates over sovereignty have fueled populism's appeal [3]. Strengthening democratic institutions and enhancing solidarity among EU member states can help counter these trends [3]. Additionally, creating more robust participatory democratic institutions that prevent 'state capture' by special interests could address the grievances that drive populism in the first place [4].
Sources used in this answer
Populism’s Challenge to International Institutions: The Case of UN Peacekeeping
Right-wing populist governments contribute smaller proportions of their assessed dues to UN peacekeeping operations, but stronger democratic institutions can constrain this effect [1].
The ‘Will of the People’: The Populist Challenge to Democracy in the Name of Popular Sovereignty
Right-wing populists claim to represent the 'will of the people' in a way that creates a 'state of exception' and undermines rule-based democracy [2].
THE RISE OF RIGHT-WING POPULISM IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
The 2008 financial crisis and 2015 refugee crisis fueled right-wing populism in the EU, which has negatively affected EU cohesion and democratic values [3].
A Question of Justice: The Roots of Populism’s Anti-cosmopolitanism in State Capture
Right-wing populism's anti-cosmopolitanism stems from communal ethics and perceptions of state capture by special interests, particularly in the US [4].
Populism and Environmental Performance
Populist leadership is strongly linked to lower environmental performance across 66 countries, regardless of left- or right-wing ideology [5].
The Authoritarian Elephant Next Door?: A Canadian and Comparative Perspective Amidst American Democratic Backsliding & Uncertainty
The Trump years and January 6 insurrection created conditions where anti-democratic measures can overcome weakening democratic institutions in the US [7].
The Duty of Pressure
Ordinary citizens have a 'duty of pressure' to engage with right-wing populism supporters using tailored rhetorical strategies as a form of soft containment [8].
Threat or corrective to democracy? The relationship between populism and different models of democracy
Populism in power has a negative impact on electoral, liberal, and deliberative models of democracy in Europe and Latin America [9].