ABSTRACT

This chapter addresses two principal research questions: the theoretical and empirical characterization of populism and the occurrence of populist phenomena. As suggested by the theoretical reasoning there is considerable structural variability among populist regimes. The empirical evidence from Latin America clearly demonstrates that the occurrence of populism is not confined to specific historical periods or stages of development. The genesis of populist regimes has often taken place in times of intense social and political conflict. The implementation of political and social reforms together with a general expansion of state activities constitute an important source of patronage for the cooptation of middle and lower class groups. Western core countries are characterized by the absence of foreign economic and political elites but are confronted with massive immigrant movements from peripheral and semi-peripheral countries. The analysis of state policies and modes of political dominance developed above has demonstrated the relevance of processes of political change for the analysis of populist regimes.