populist movements

Populist movements are political campaigns or social efforts that claim to represent ordinary people against a corrupt or out-of-touch elite.

The term applies across the political spectrum—left-wing populism targets wealthy elites and corporations, while right-wing populism often focuses on political establishments, media, or immigration.

What unites them is the rhetoric of "the people" versus "the powerful": The populist movement swept through rural communities.

Such movements often emerge during economic distress or when citizens feel ignored by mainstream politics.