On Tuesday, 19th November 2024, as part of the BRRIDGE (Horizon Europe Project) Lecture Series, the Human Forum 2024 welcomed Dr. Catherine Fieschi, a globally renowned expert in European politics and populism, to deliver a keynote speech on the mechanics of populism and its challenges to democracy. Held at the Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, the lecture captivated an audience of academics, policymakers, and civil society leaders with its incisive analysis and global perspective.
Keynote Address: Populism’s Playbook and Its Challenge to Democracy
Drawing on her extensive research and decades of experience, Dr. Fieschi explored the rise of populism in advanced democracies, unpacking the dynamics that allow it to thrive and the inherent threats it poses to democratic institutions. She began by emphasizing that populism operates according to a discernible “playbook”, which she has studied through numerous examples across the globe.
Dr. Fieschi highlighted key traits shared by populist movements, regardless of their geographic or ideological origins:
- Homogenous Vision of “The People”: Populist leaders often portray “the people” as a single, unchanging entity, excluding anyone who doesn’t fit their narrative. This vision challenges democracy’s pluralistic nature by suppressing diversity and dissent.
- Direct and Exclusive Relationship with the People: Populist leaders establish a bond that bypasses traditional institutions, such as trade unions and social movements. This undermines the mediating role of democratic structures and isolates citizens from alternative forms of representation.
- Global Parallels: While examples like Viktor Orbán in Hungary and Donald Trump in the United States dominate discourse, Dr. Fieschi also pointed to left-wing populism, such as in Mexico, to demonstrate that populism’s tactics transcend ideological divides.
Civil Society as Democracy’s Antidote:
Concluding her address, Dr. Fieschi stressed the critical role of civil society in countering populism. She argued that the vibrancy of civil society depends on embracing ambivalence, debate, and disagreement rather than seeking purity or unanimity. Such diversity, she asserted, is the cornerstone of resilient democratic systems.
Amid the challenges posed by populist politics, Dr. Fieschi offered a glimmer of hope, suggesting that with growing knowledge of populism’s playbook, societies are better equipped to identify its weaknesses and resist its destabilizing effects.
Dr. Catherine Fieschi is a leading authority on European politics and a sought-after global analyst. Her expertise lies in examining the rise of populist and authoritarian politics and their disruptive impact on policymaking and markets. A trusted adviser to progressive political leaders and campaigns worldwide, Dr. Fieschi’s insights have shaped strategies for navigating complex political landscapes.
Currently, she is a Senior Fellow at the Robert Schuman Centre of the European University in Florence, a hub for policy-oriented research. She also serves as Senior Advisor at Macro Advisory Partners, a geopolitical consulting firm in London.
Dr. Fieschi’s career includes leadership roles at prominent organizations such as Counterpoint, the UK think tank she founded, and Demos, where she served as director. An accomplished author, her latest book, Populocracy: The Tyranny of Authenticity and the Rise of Populism (2019), critically examines the emotional and political strategies of populist movements.
BRRIDGE Lecture Series: Advancing Understanding and Resilience
Dr. Fieschi’s lecture was a pivotal event in the BRRIDGE Lecture Series, which aims to foster critical discussions on democracy, governance, and human rights. By drawing connections between global populist trends and practical strategies for countering their effects, her address resonated deeply with the goals of the Human Forum 2024 and the BRRIDGE project.