The Rise of Populism: A Global Trend Driven by Pandemic, Economic Hardship, and Technological Disruption

This article explores the surge in global populist movements, linking it to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability, and rapid technological advancements. It examines historical parallels, analyzes the role of public health crises in fueling radical political views, and discusses the implications for the future, particularly in light of the 2024 Crossroads Summit.

Trump’s Populism: A Historical Echo of FDR and Reagan

This article explores the parallels between Donald Trump’s populist rhetoric and that of historical figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan, arguing that Trump, like his predecessors, champions American freedom and fights against powerful elites. The author contends that those who label Trump’s strong language as fascism are either ignorant or intentionally misleading, drawing on historical examples of FDR and Reagan’s successful battles against fascism and communism.

Lithuania Votes for Change Amidst Ukraine War, Populist Rise

Lithuania’s elections on Sunday are expected to bring a change in government, with the center-left Social Democratic Party poised to replace the ruling conservatives. While the country’s unwavering support for Ukraine and its robust defense policy are expected to remain, the rise of a populist party led by a politician facing anti-Semitism charges adds complexity to the political landscape.

Civil War: A Look at Democracy’s Fragility in a Divided America

In an era where trust in media crumbles and populism surges, writer-director Alex Garland explores the potential for civil war in the US through his film ‘Civil War: America’s Last Day.’ The film, born from Garland’s own anxieties about the state of democracy, offers a stark commentary on the role of media, the rise of misinformation, and the importance of reasoned dialogue in a fractured world.

Culture and Heritage: The Key to Countering Inequality, Populism, and the Challenges of the 21st Century

Europe is facing significant challenges, including war, division, and polarization. These challenges are eroding the fabric of European societies and undermining the fundamental purpose of the European Union. Culture and cultural heritage play a vital role in countering these challenges and reimagining the future of Europe. Culture fosters resilience, challenges the status quo, and provides a space for diverse voices to be heard. It can demystify digital technology, serve as an antidote against the misuse of artificial intelligence, and provide the imagination and stories needed to foster a true European sentiment. The European Union needs to elevate the role of culture and heritage on the political agenda and in public opinion. This requires strong leadership, bold action, and a substantial increase in funding. A Cultural Deal for Europe is needed to support artists, heritage professionals, and creators, and to foster a wide cultural ecosystem that drives innovation, enhances well-being, and strengthens the democratic fabric.

Narendra Modi’s Appeal to the Middle Class: A Case Study in Political Communication

Narendra Modi’s appeal to the middle class is a case study in political communication, as his style of populism does not fit any typical framework studied by academics. In liberal democracies, the middle class is known to be an anchor of stability and a defender of the status quo. However, in India, the middle class has voted for a party whose policies are aimed at changing the secular status quo. This study finds that the answer lies partly in a double messaging by Mr. Modi and the BJP. The BJP’s promise of building the Ram temple in Ayodhya, for instance, had low credibility among middle-class voters. However, this low credibility helped the BJP develop a double level of communication with its audience. The assumption that the party would not act on its most extreme proposals made it sound more innocuous to moderate middle-class voters.

How to handle populists: a CEO’s survival guide

Western CEOs are facing a challenging political landscape, with populist leaders on the rise around the world. These leaders are often hostile to business, making it difficult for companies to operate in their countries. In order to survive and thrive in this environment, CEOs need to develop a strategy for dealing with populist politicians. This includes understanding the political landscape, building relationships with key policymakers, and advocating for policies that support business growth. By following these steps, CEOs can increase their chances of success in a populist world.

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