In today’s political landscape, the concept of populism has become a divisive and often misunderstood ideology. Many associate populism with a singular notion of “the people,” a monolithic entity that is meant to represent the will of the majority. However, from a liberal perspective, this definition of populism is deeply flawed.
The key to defending populism from a liberal viewpoint lies in rejecting the populist concept of “the people” as a singular entity. Instead, we should view the people as a collection of individuals, each with their own rights and autonomy. Every individual should have the right to veto any mandate or prohibition that they do not consent to, at a contractual-constitutional level. This means that no subset of the people should be able to use coercion against individuals in another subset. In essence, this approach aligns with classical liberalism, which emphasizes the negative veto rights of individuals.
Contrary to popular belief, true populism should not be about giving power to a majority or plurality of “the people.” Instead, it should be about recognizing the rights of individuals and ensuring that no one group can impose their will on others. This is a far cry from the interventionist, collectivist, and authoritarian ideologies that often masquerade as populism.
In order to be consistent with liberalism, populism must embrace a pluralistic view of “the people” as individuals, rather than a singular entity with collective power. This means that no individual should have more power or authority over their fellow citizens. While this may not fit the traditional definition of populism, it is the only way to truly defend populism from a liberal perspective.
Ultimately, it is essential to challenge the conventional understanding of populism and strive for a more nuanced and inclusive approach that respects the rights and autonomy of every individual. By rejecting the populist concept of “the people” and embracing a pluralistic view of society, we can create a more just and equitable political system that is in line with liberal principles.
