Populism and the Prosecution of Democratic Leaders

• In Event: Perspectives on Populism

Abstract

Comparative literature has long examined the causes of the rise of populist leaders as well as their effects on various political and economic outcomes while in office. However, it is less clear what kind of post-tenure life they are likely to experience. Is there any meaningful difference between populist and non-populist leaders when it comes to the legal challenges they face after leaving office? Are populist or non-populist leaders more likely to experience the higher stages of legal challenges such as prosecutions, trials, and convictions? Addressing this question will provide a new insight into the literature on populism and accountability. Using the original data of democratic leaders from 1970 to 2018, we aim to answer this important question.

Authors

• Donna Bahry

• Young Hun Kim, North Carolina Wesleyan University