Description
Populism is a strategy - a low-cost route to power that can have detrimental consequences for democracy.
About the Author
Paul Kenny is an award-winning author of two previous books, Populism and Patronage: Why Populists Win Elections in India, Asia, and Beyond (2017) and Populism in Southeast Asia (2017). He holds a Ph.D. in political science from Yale University and degrees in economics and political economy from Trinity College Dublin and the London School of Economics.
Reviews
'Understanding the lure of populism is vital for anyone who cares about the strength of democracy. Applying an economic lens to two millennia of evidence, Paul Kenny shows how factors such as communications technologies, crises, and party factions have shaped the rise of populists. A bold book on a big topic.' Andrew Leigh, MP and author of What's the Worst That Could Happen? Existential Risk and Extreme Politics
'A true tour-de-force! Kenny marshals vast historical knowledge to show how populist politics has flourished through the ages, from Ancient Greek democracy to the French Revolution, the rise of Hitler, and the irruption of Trump. Drawing on transaction cost economics, this impressive book demonstrates why charismatic authority often has huge political payoffs and how mass support can vault ambitious outsiders to supreme leadership. Crucial for understanding the present age of populism!' Kurt Weyland, University of Texas at Austin
'This compelling book argues that populism is a particularly efficient political strategy, directly mobilizing popular support without heavy investments in organization or ideology. Drawing on historical analyses ranging from ancient Athens and Rome to revolutionary France to modern America, this is a rich and fascinating argument.' Anna Grzymala-Busse, Stanford University
'Recommended.' A. Stalker, Choice
Book Information
ISBN 9781009275293
Author Paul Kenny
Format Hardback
Page Count 250
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 540g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 158mm * 20mm