Populism and Conflict: Analyzing Populist Foreign Policy

• In Event: The Rise of Populist Foreign Policy

Abstract

The paper addresses the consequences of the rise of populism in Europe for international conflict. Although much has been written on the causes and timing of the rise of populism, what populists do once they are in power has not been systematically studied. The concern is that by fomenting nationalist and anti-liberal sentiments, weakening institutional checks and balances, erecting physical and economic boundaries, and dismissing criticism from international institutions, populists undermine the current international order. This process may lead to international conflict. But is it the case that once in office populists will be more prone to conflict? This paper addresses this question through systematic comparative study of populists in office. Conducting text analysis on legislation, policy decisions, and speeches, we compare populist and non-populist governments' potential for conflict based on shifts in military spending, foreign policy, trade policy, and the national narratives they promote.

Authors

• Emily Holland, United States Naval Academy

• Hadas Aron, New York University