What is populism?

Populism is a style of politics that divides society into the ordinary people and a corrupt or out of touch elite. It claims to speak for the people. It can be left wing or right wing. Populist movements often favour direct democracy, distrust experts and institutions, and rally around strong leaders.

Political scientists often describe populism as a thin ideology. It does not have a full set of policies of its own, so it attaches to other ideas. Right-wing populism tends to focus on immigration, national identity and sovereignty. Left-wing populism tends to target big business, bankers and inequality. Both claim the system is rigged against ordinary voters. Populist leaders often present themselves as outsiders.

Populism has grown across Europe and the Americas since the 2008 financial crisis. In the UK, the 2016 Brexit referendum campaign drew heavily on populist themes, such as taking back control from distant elites. Since then parties presenting themselves as outsiders have made big gains. In 2026 Reform UK became the second largest party in both the Welsh Senedd and the Scottish Parliament, where it tied with Labour.

Supporters argue populism gives a voice to people who feel ignored and forces mainstream parties to listen. Critics argue it can oversimplify complex problems, undermine courts, the media and civil servants, and promise more than any government can deliver. Many voters care less about the label than about whether their concerns are taken seriously. Many populist parties also favour referendums to let the people decide directly.

Where you've seen it

The People's Party in 1890s America, Latin American leaders in the 1900s, and many anti-establishment movements across Europe in the 2000s.

In the UK today

Seen in anti-establishment messaging, debates around the 2016 EU referendum, criticism of 'Westminster elites', and in parties on both the right and the left.