Foreword

"A patriot is necessarily and invariably a lover of the people. But even this mark may sometimes deceive us," noted Samuel Johnson. His wit was prescient. The patriot he referred to could very well be one of today's populist leaders. Across the globe we find leaders who mobilize the masses, condemn the elite, and claim—as the Latin root of the word 'populist' suggests—to be 'of the people.' Are these national icons truly lovers of the people, or are they agenda-driven opportunists who deceive their constituents with their charisma?

In this issue of The SAIS Review, we address the complexities of populism—a term widely used in political discourse, yet insufficiently understood. Populism is an amorphous concept, often varying in definition by region and issue. In the United States, populism is particularly misunderstood because the last homegrown populist movement, the agrarian movement, ended in 1908. Hoping to contribute to a greater understanding of what populism is, we asked scholars to look at how populist leaders and movements have existed over time and why populism still matters.

The first section addresses populism in Latin America. Kenneth Roberts examines the populist revival in Latin America and suggests that populism in the region should be understood as a top-down process of political mobilization that is directed by a dominant personality. His article traces the resurgence of populism to the institutional frailties and market insecurities of contemporary Latin American democracies. Martin Brienen follows with a specific case study of 20th century Bolivia. He argues that the Bolivian populist Evo Morales is best understood as rooted in 'popular power'—a unique feature of Bolivian political development—rather than against the backdrop of a greater 'populist' Latin America.

While Latin American populism receives more attention from the media, significant populist movements are also advancing on Europe's political landscape. In the second section of this issue, Erik Jones attributes the success of these movements to weaknesses in European political parties and party systems. He argues that in order for Europe to free itself of what are often xenophobic, anti-immigrant parties, it will have to reconstitute its institutions to represent popular sentiment more effectively. Peter Ucen looks specifically at East Central Europe, contending that populism in this region is a dynamic phenomenon in which radical ideological components are overshadowed by pure anti-establishment appeal. This section concludes with an article by Luke March comparing left-populism in Europe and in Latin America. He claims that while left-populism has an illiberal 'dark side,' it should not be seen as inevitably inimical to democracy.

Three articles speak to the topic of populism in Asia. Narendra Subramanian examines the significant roles populist political forces have played and continue to play in Indian politics. She cautions that populism is likely to continue in India and is particularly significant in the political mobilization of the lower castes. Srikrishna Ayyangar echoes the importance of Indian populism by comparing Indian politicians with more recognized Latin American populist figures. Albert Chang deconstructs Taiwanese nationalism by examining both the use of rhetorical appeals to Taiwanese identity and the influence of Chinese and American relations on popular independence movements.

Joshua Yates brings the focus to contemporary religious populism, a product of global modernity's influence on religious belief and practice. He invites an examination of Christian and Islamic religious populism, noting crucial differences in their political effects. Finally, Nikos E. Tsafos delves into the phenomenon of resource populism, uncovering its impact on international politics.

As we publish this issue of The SAIS Review, we still have not found a simple definition of 'populism.' In its place we have tried to provide a selection of insightful scholarship to clarify a global phenomenon and contribute to a global debate. We hope you enjoy this issue of The SAIS Review.