Populism is anything but a new phenomenon. It often assumes the form of a reaction to long-standing social injustice brought about by a dysfunctional system operating within a state. Despite being exceptionally easy to identify, populism continues to attract scores of susceptible individuals and politicians keen to exploit the lowest human instincts and psychological mechanisms to gain as much power as possible. This phenomenon is well documented and defined; however, generational replacement causes a sort of \u2018amnesia\u2019 among the population \u2013 as if every generation started everything afresh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Roman strategy of \u2018divide and rule\u2019 was incredibly effective, as was demonstrated by the spectacular conquests which gave rise to the creation of a vast empire. Although Rome ultimately fell, many future rulers drew on this centuries-old political thought. The recent advancement of social engineering, political marketing or public relations has meant that populism has retained its relevance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A fundamental skill of successful politicians is the ability to sense the public mood. Negative emotions are known to be most effective when it comes to galvanizing and motivating people. If we arouse anger in someone, this anger will likely linger for a long time, and it is an emotion that tends to accumulate. This being said, in order to provoke anger, there needs to be an object towards which this feeling is directed. A process to divide society must be, therefore, undertaken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first step is to define and introduce the common enemy. The proverbial \u2018elites,\u2019 which exploit \u2018ordinary people,\u2019 are frequently designated as the key adversary of the populace. A sense of hurt is also encouraged within the addressees of such an approach. With an emphasis placed on the differences between individual social groups, unity and harmonious social coexistence become unviable options. As mutual resentment grows, divisions deepen, and tribal instincts step to the fore. The general public becomes convinced about the need to compete for resources or assets in order to survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n