The rise and rise of national populism (Part 1 – “Divide and rule”)

A shadow looms over global democracies as far-right movements, libertarian ideologues, and neoliberal actors unite under the unofficial banner of “national populism.”

These alliances, often claiming to champion freedom while rejecting so-called elite governance, present a serious threat to democratic norms and institutions. Their rise, initially powered by billionaire-backed media empires such as Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp and now also by social media super-billionaires like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, has been bolstered by relentless disinformation campaigns.

During the 2016 US presidential election, false stories such as the “Pizzagate” conspiracy spread widely on social media, influencing public opinion. Similarly, in the UK, disinformation during the 2016 Brexit referendum included exaggerated claims about EU costs, such as the infamous £350 million figure emblazoned on the red Vote Leave bus. Although this claim was later debunked, it persisted as a sustained belief among parts of the electorate.

This profound shift in the political landscape serves as a cautionary tale for democracies worldwide, illustrating how control over media and digital platforms can shape public opinion and erode trust in institutions.