Populism and politics of white identity a case study of America under trump

Abstract

The global rise of "illiberal populism" has emerged as a challenge for "cosmopolitan elite" ofthe world. These populists are against the policies ofthe elites who have put the common people into disadvantageous position both politically and economically. Populism is complemented by the rise in identity politics. The research explains the idea of white supremacy and the rise of identity politics in West and around the world. People have started defining themselves in terms of their "ethnic", "religious", "racial" and "cultural" identities. Populist politicians around the world have taken notice of this change and have manipulated the identity issues of people to gamer votes and ascend to power. The role of populism is very pertinent in explaining "democratic backsliding" in American society. There are certain political, economic and cultural causes behind the rise of populism in America. The political causes for the rise of populism are "decline of trust in governments' ability to deliver, political polarization along ideological lines, control of political and economic apparatus of the state by elite and changing power balance in international system". The economic issues include "globalization, technological revolution, and neoliberalism" whereas the cultural issues include "racial segregation, increase in immigration" and its role in cultural change which is the main driver of "identity politics" as is evident by "Brexit", "surge in right wing populism" across Europe and "Rise of Trump to power" in United States of America. In the end suggestions are made on how to counter populism through "strengthening democracy" and "effective policy making".