Who Speaks for the People? Right-Wing Populism in Liberal Democracies

People versus elites, us versus them, facts versus feelings: populism divides the world into two opposing camps and claims to represent the only legitimate voice of the “true people.” In almost every European country, right-wing populist parties are represented in parliament, and in some countries — such as Austria, Italy, and the Netherlands — they are already part of government. But beyond Europe, particularly in the United States, populism has long ceased to be a fringe phenomenon.

It offers simple solutions to complex questions, delegitimizes institutions, excludes minorities, and challenges liberal democratic principles such as the separation of powers, pluralism, and independent media. In this way, populism transforms democratic systems not only through electoral victories, but also gradually from within.

Against this backdrop, we are very pleased to welcome Prof. Dr. Cas Mudde on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe. He is Professor at the University of Georgia and one of the world’s leading scholars on populism and the radical right.

Together with you and Cas Mudde, we would like to discuss the following questions and more: What exactly is populism? How do right-wing populist movements in Europe and the United States differ, and what do they have in common? Can mainstream parties counter the rise of right-wing populist parties by adopting their issues? What role do social media play in the rise of populist movements? Which democratic institutions are particularly at risk, and which counterstrategies have proven effective? What concrete actions can young people take?

We would be very pleased to welcome you to the event and kindly ask you to register by May 27, 2026. The event will be held in English, questions can also be asked in German.