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Right-wing populism, sometimes called dissident right,[1] is a political ideology that uses populist rhetoric and themes to promote right-wing politics. According to the definition of Dutch political scientist Cas Mudde, populism is a political ideology that divides society into two antagonistic entities: the people and the elites. From the right-wing perspective, political elites and the State are intrinsically corrupt and bureaucratic, therefore there is a rhetoric that appeals to individuals who identify with "anti-State" policies and the view that individuals with different political views are adversaries (commonly associating the later with globalism or the far-left).[2]
Much like left-wing populism, right-wing populism employs sentiments against elitism, opposition to the Establishment, and a discourse that seeks the sympathy of "ordinary people". However, right-wing populists generally focus on cultural issues, often claiming to defend traditional values and national identity against progressivism and multiculturalism while left-wing populists more often employ economic arguments and attack neoliberalism and the role of large corporations in society.[2]
Faced with contemporary dilemmas such as climate change and the struggle against pandemics, many right-wing populists remain anti-environmentalism[3] and against measures such as lockdowns and mandatory vaccination.[4] Crime is also a recurring issue among them, with their defense of law and order usually being punitivist.
Notable right-wing populists include Jair Bolsonaro,[5] Tucker Carlson,[6] Marine Le Pen,[7] Conor McGregor, Javier Milei,[8] Viktor Orbán,[9] Vladimir Putin, Andrew Tate,[10] and Donald Trump.[11]
In the United States, right-wing populism has become notable since the Tea Party movement formed during the Great Recession.[12] It was adopted by Donald Trump to win the 2016 United States presidential election, and is currently being used to win the 2024 United States presidential election.[13]
