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Populism Is Reshaping Our World
Video

Populism Is Reshaping Our World


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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Controversial
  • Overview

Recommendation

As income inequality surges in the Western world, opportunistic populist movements prey on desperate populations seeking change. Using an eclectic array of case studies, Economist Films examines this phenomenon. Rather than analyzing individual campaigns, this pithy video dissects populism while identifying its shortcomings and the true root cause of the social divide. While always politically neutral, getAbstract recommends Economist Films’ overview to all who want to understand how populist leaders – often with no political experience – are gaining momentum.

Summary

In December 2016, Italy’s Five Star Movement, led by former stand-up comedian Beppe Grillo, turned a referendum on constitutional reform into a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. Italy has endured recession and rising inequality of late, so Five Star’s populist rhetoric resonated with many voters. Upon defeat, Renzi resigned, becoming yet another mainstream political leader displaced by populism. Worldwide, charismatic populist leaders exhibit similar traits: They challenge the political establishment, blame immigration and free trade for inequality, and offer simplistic answers ...

About the Speaker

Economist Films produces documentaries that investigate economic, social and political issues.


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