Exploring the Challenges of Populism
A Summer School for Critical Engagement
The rise of populist movements is reshaping politics, culture, and society in profound ways. These movements challenge the traditional principles of constitutional democracy, altering its structures and practices.
Transforming the democratic logic
Rather than rejecting democracy outright, populism transforms its logic by discrediting cultural and political mediations, weakening institutional checks and balances, and marginalizing groups and ideas that do not align with its narrow vision of “the people.”
Audience democracy
Populism thrives on the transition from 20th-century party-based democracy to what is now termed “audience democracy”. This new model emphasizes the personal image and influence of individual leaders who maintain constant, direct engagement with the public through digital communication and opinion polls.
Identity politics
While this shift has been underway for decades, today’s populist movements introduce distinct ideological and cultural dynamics, often emphasizing identity politics over deliberation, collective belonging over civil discourse, and homogeneous narratives over pluralism.
Understanding the Impact of Populism
This summer school will critically examine the “wicked problems” that populism creates, focusing on its impact on public space and democratic models. Key areas of investigation include:
- Reconceptualizing Public Life: How populism reshapes notions of “the people” and redefines the public sphere.
- Transforming Democracy: The shift from deliberative processes to identity-driven politics, and from inclusive civil conversations to exclusionary collective identities.
- Eroding Pluralism: The stigmatization of elites and minorities, loss of diverse viewpoints, and the dangers of authoritarian tendencies.
The Role of Digitalization and Ideological Appropriation
In the digital age, populism leverages technology to amplify its influence. This includes:
- Creating closed epistemic bubbles that hinder open debate.
- Undermining expert knowledge, fostering manipulated and fictitious narratives.
- Misappropriating values and ideologies, stripping them from their original context and meaning.
Charting a Way Forward
To counteract the challenges posed by populism, this programme will emphasize solutions grounded in:
- Pluralism: Promoting diversity and fostering democratic dialogue.
- Common Humanity: Building a foundation of shared values and mutual respect.
- Grounded Citizenship: Encouraging active, informed participation in democratic life.
Critical Insights and Collaborative Solutions
This summer school is an opportunity for participants to engage with leading thinkers, critically analyze the roots and consequences of populism, and explore innovative approaches to strengthen democracy in the 21st century. Together, we will strive to envision a future where pluralism, inclusivity, and active citizenship thrive.
Organisers
UCSIA organizes this summer school in collaboration with the Federation of European Catholique Universities (FUCE), Université Catholique de Lille, and the support of Erasmus+.
