antipopulist

Antipopulist refers to a person, stance, or approach that opposes populism. Populism is understood as a political strategy that presents politics as a struggle between the virtuous “people” and a corrupt or detached elite, often relying on charismatic leadership and simplified solutions. Antipopulism is not confined to a single ideological camp and can appear across the political spectrum.

In scholarly and journalistic use, antipopulism emphasizes the values and mechanisms associated with liberal democracy: institutional checks and balances, rule of law, respect for minority rights, and evidence-based policymaking. Proponents argue that populist appeals can bypass or erode institutions, undermine pluralism, and depend on emotional or emotionally charged rhetoric rather than careful deliberation. Antipopulists typically advocate strengthening independent institutions, deliberative processes, and gradual reform to address complex issues without sacrificing constitutional safeguards.

Common antipopulist approaches include reinforcing parliamentary oversight, supporting independent judiciaries, and promoting technocratic or expert input in policymaking. Critics of anti-populism contend that it can verge on elitism or dismiss valid popular grievances, potentially alienating voters and fueling backlash. They may argue that a strict anti-populist stance risks neglecting the political and aspirational needs that fuel populist movements.

The term is context-dependent, varying by country and moment, and it can describe opposition to different forms of populism—whether right-wing, left-wing, or radical—depending on the issues and actors involved.