Populism is a global phenomenon, yet it takes distinct local and regional shapes. Often conceptualized as a discursive style (cf. Laclau 2005), populism has increasingly been analysed through its socio-cultural performative elements (i.e., Ostiguy, Panizza and Moffit 2021). Whilst case studies on populism and socio-cultural performance of populist leaders have expanded over the last years to increasingly include the Global South, systematic comparative approaches of the highly diverse national and regional contexts are still rare. Against the backdrop of a (perceived) global rise of populism but its distinct and varied manifestation in different settings, key questions emerge around the respective roles of intermediaries in the communication flow between populist leaders and the general public.
- People involved: Julian Kuttig (Ghent University), Ulf Engel (Leipzig University), Constanze Blum (Leipzig University)