Populism, which can be translated as populism, is a social trend that emerged in Russia in the 19th century. The basic theory of populism includes: extreme emphasis on the values ??and ideals of the common people, and taking civilianization and popularization as the ultimate source of legitimacy for all political movements and political systems.

Rely on the common people to carry out radical reforms in society, and regard the ordinary people as the only decisive force for political reform; by emphasizing populist values ??such as the unity of the common people, referendums, and the people's creative rights, it treats the common people The public as a whole exercises effective control and manipulation.

Populism appears to be people-centered, but in fact it lacks the concepts of personal dignity and basic rights of citizens. Populists worship the "people", but they worship the "people" as an abstract whole, while holding an extremely contemptuous attitude towards the individual "people" who make up the "people".

Populists oppose authority, but they cannot tolerate opposition or even "bystanders". The Russian populists had a famous saying at that time: "Whoever is not with 'us' is against 'us'; whoever is against 'us' is 'our' enemy; and enemies should be destroyed by all means." ”

Extended information:

The main characteristics of populism:

1. Avoid the complexity of representative politics and advocate direct democracy;

2. Idealize the preferred group and use it as a basis for identifying oneself;

3. Lack of core values;

4. A strong response to serious crises Reaction;

5. Populism may arise from the masses or be advocated by elites; it may be just a trend of thought or it may form a movement and even have long-term political consequences.

Baidu Encyclopedia-Populism