Populist movements have surged across various democracies over the past decade, challenging traditional political norms and reshaping governance in countries like the U.S., Brazil, and Hungary. These movements, often characterized by anti-elite rhetoric and promises to return power to "the people," have had profound effects on both domestic policies and global democratic trends.

Populism in the U.S., Brazil, and Hungary

United States: The rise of Donald Trump in the U.S. represents a key example of populism reshaping the political landscape. Trump's "America First" platform, which capitalized on economic grievances, immigration concerns, and a sense of disenfranchisement, led to policies like trade wars, strict immigration enforcement, and deregulation. His presidency deepened political polarization and challenged democratic norms, culminating in the January 6 Capitol insurrection​. Even after his presidency, Trump's influence continues to shape the Republican Party, fueling debates over voter suppression, election integrity, and the role of populism in American politics.

Brazil: In Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro rose to power on a populist platform that targeted corruption and crime, while also criticizing globalism and environmental regulations. Bolsonaro's presidency, marked by a controversial handling of the Amazon rainforest and COVID-19, leaned heavily on nationalist and authoritarian rhetoric. His policies weakened environmental protections and emboldened far-right elements within the country, contributing to deep divisions within Brazilian society​.

Hungary: Hungary under Viktor Orbán provides a stark example of populism leading to democratic backsliding. Orbán’s Fidesz party, with its anti-immigrant and anti-EU stance, has centralized power, curbed press freedoms, and weakened the judiciary. Critics argue that Hungary is experiencing "soft authoritarianism" under Orbán’s rule, where democratic institutions are eroded while elections remain formally in place. This has caused tensions between Hungary and the European Union, which has criticized the country for undermining democratic norms​.

Impact on Policy-Making and Governance

Populism tends to emphasize the will of the people over established institutions, often leading to confrontations with democratic checks and balances. In many cases, populist leaders target judicial independence, freedom of the press, and political opposition, framing them as obstacles to the popular will. This has led to policy decisions that prioritize short-term, populist appeals over long-term, evidence-based governance.

Policy Polarization: Populist movements often exacerbate political polarization, making compromise in governance difficult. For instance, in the U.S., populism has led to gridlock on key issues like immigration, healthcare, and climate change, as partisan divisions deepen​.

Erosion of Democratic Institutions: In countries like Hungary, populist leaders have restructured institutions to maintain their power. This erosion of democratic checks and balances can lead to the entrenchment of authoritarian practices, even within ostensibly democratic systems​.

Global Influence: The rise of populism has had a ripple effect globally. Far-right movements in Europe, inspired by leaders like Trump and Orbán, have grown in influence, advocating for stricter immigration policies and nationalistic agendas. This has challenged multilateralism and weakened global cooperation on issues such as climate change, human rights, and trade​.

Conclusion

Populist movements have had a transformative impact on global democracies, leading to shifts in governance, policymaking, and the broader political landscape. While populism has succeeded in mobilizing disillusioned voters, it has also strained democratic institutions and exacerbated polarization. The challenge for democracies moving forward is how to balance the populist demand for change with the preservation of democratic norms and governance structures.