Phase IFoundation
Background
Overview
Understanding populism is crucial for analyzing contemporary political trends globally and within India. UPSC examines challenges to democratic governance, social justice, and the functioning of political institutions. Brexit provides a real-world example of populism's profound effects.
Populism is a political approach that appeals to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups. It often involves a charismatic leader or movement claiming to represent the 'common people' against a perceived 'corrupt elite,' frequently leveraging issues like immigration, economic inequality, or national sovereignty to gain support.