IFCO 5090 - Democracy in the Age of Populism

Over the past years, so-called “populists” have fundamentally transformed the politics of many democracies, from France to the United States, from Hungary to Argentina, and from Brazil to India. Their remarkable success, combined with their hostility to many longstanding political norms and institutions, have raised serious concerns about the future of the democratic political system. Do populists pose a serious threat to democracy—and, if so, what can be done to stop them? This course examines the nature and causes of populism, drawing on political science, sociology, and economics. Topics include the role of social media, economic grievances, status politics, and the politics of identity. The final sessions consider policy solutions and the outlook for democratic governance.

It is a fundamental course.

No prior knowledge of the themes of the course is required.

Students should be prepared to engage carefully with all assigned readings before each session.

This is a lecture course. But there will be significant occasion for students to ask questions and to share their views as part of the lectures.

There are two main means of assessment for this course:

• A mid-term paper assessing the current state of democracy (individual). 30% of the final grade.
• An in-person, on-site, three-hour final exam which requires students to demonstrate their understanding of the themes covered in the readings and lectures for this course. 70% of the final grade.