ABSTRACT
This chapter starts by trying to define contemporary populisms, especially with respect to nationalism and the reflex of rejecting others. A seemingly vain attempt, because there is no consensus as to how to define populism. But this shouldn’t prevent us from using the term, although its definition remains uncertain. That very fuzziness contributes to understanding the issue. General confusionism as to the meaning of words and a general disorientation regarding issues of ideology and politics characterise much of populism. Such confusion is characteristic both of movements and of states. We have seen in Europe of late supposedly leftist governments implement clearly rightest economic measures. We have seen the state, more and more nationalist and authoritarian invoke sovereignty, while surrendering to the market and to transnational capital. Further, several definitions of contemporary populism as well as diverse presentations of its characteristics are exemplified. Examples from the EU, from (post-) Yugoslavia or from elsewhere, are analysed. Various approximations of some forms of populism are then discussed.
