Populism and Plutocracy: From the Masses, for the Elites

The extreme wealth inequality around the world has led to an increase in populist political parties, which project them as alternatives to corrupt elites. Significant features of populist parties include attempts to hijack the state apparatus, involve in corruption and “mass clientelism,” and make efforts to systematically suppress civil society. Clientelism could be institutionalized through welfare schemes and also outside institutional structures like vote buying, horse trading, etc. to sustain their power. Selling of public sector and corporate funding has been the main source to sustain the populist politics by many contemporary governments, which have more scope for corruption. The research will trace the changing nature of populist political parties differentiating between right-wing and left-wing parties. The widening inequality all over the world and its consequent post-truth politics, where “superhero” leaders with immediate solutions engage people emotionally, were discussed. The combination of neoliberalism and neoconservative is strengthening the protection of social and economic hierarchy, while the state is withdrawing from its welfare role and moving toward elite protective roles all over the world. The democratic potential of the masses is emotionally redirected toward marginalized and vulnerable communities and the interest of economic elites were protected.