The main theoretical text utilised in this historical analysis is Jan-Werner Müller’s What is Populism? Written during the 2016 Presidential election, its contemporary nature is appropriate to the content of this study. The focus of Müller’s text is defining what populism is, whilst providing historical examples that adhere to the definitions outlined. The primary use of the text in this study is defining precisely what populism is, for the purpose of applying that definition to three figures in United States political history that can be defined as populists by Müller’s standards. Defining populism, Müller offers several key characteristics that are typical of populist movements. First, Müller identifies the tendency for populists to be anti-plural in their approach to politics.
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Secondly, Müller asserts that it is necessary for a populist to be critical of elites, although this condition alone is not sufficient to qualify a political contender as a populist. In addition, a populist portrays their political competitors as part of a corrupt or immoral elite, and whilst ruling, they consider any opposition as illegitimate. Furthermore, they encourage polarization, often treating their political opponents as “enemies of the people” and the people’s interests, in an effort to exclude their opponents from serious political contention. Finally, Müller asserts that populists are often considered a threat among their contemporaries. All things considered, these characteristics constitute the kinds of behaviours that qualify a politician a populist figure. Where evident in the examples examined, Müller’s characteristics have been referenced in relation to appropriate actions covered within this
Secondly, Müller asserts that it is necessary for a populist to be critical of elites, although this condition alone is not sufficient to qualify a political contender as a populist. In addition, a populist portrays their political competitors as part of a corrupt or immoral elite, and whilst ruling, they consider any opposition as illegitimate. Furthermore, they encourage polarization, often treating their political opponents as “enemies of the people” and the people’s interests, in an effort to exclude their opponents from serious political contention. Finally, Müller asserts that populists are often considered a threat among their contemporaries. All things considered, these characteristics constitute the kinds of behaviours that qualify a politician a populist figure. Where evident in the examples examined, Müller’s characteristics have been referenced in relation to appropriate actions covered within this