Populism : So if populism is democracy in action, what makes it dangerous in views of many intellectuals.

Populism and Democracy: A Humanist Perspective

There's been much discussion about populism, especially following events like the reelection of Trump. Many of these conversations come from educated individuals or those regarded as intellectuals, who often highlight the perceived dangers of populism. From their perspective, populism can be risky because it sometimes oversimplifies complex issues, appeals to emotions over evidence, and can even undermine institutions designed to protect minority rights and long-term stability.

When decisions are driven purely by popular sentiment, there’s a fear that nuance and expertise might be sidelined.

However, from my humanist standpoint, I see populism as a dynamic social force that reconnects governance with the voices of ordinary people. It challenges the notion that political direction should be dictated only by an educated elite and instead insists that every voice matters whether highly educated or not.

In this sense, populism reflects democracy in action. It reminds us that a nation’s future should be shaped by the collective experiences, needs, and aspirations of its people, across all segments of society. The challenge lies not in silencing populism but in ensuring that diverse voices come together in dialogue rather than division.