The Rise of Authoritarian-Populism
DPI-418
Pippa Norris
Fall 2023
When: Mondays 8.30-10.15am Littauer 230, HKS
First class: Friday 28 Aug 2023
Last class: Monday 27 Nov 2023
Download the Fall 2023 DPI418 syllabus
Aims and Objectives
The rise of Authoritarian-Populism in recent years has generated new challenges in many affluent societies and long-established democracies, such as the US, UK, Germany, Israel, Italy, Greece, Italy, Sweden and France, as well as destabilizing states worldwide, such as in Venezuela, Brazil, Hungary, Turkey, the Philippines, and India.
What explains the rise of these forces?
What are the consequences?
And what can be done to mitigate the risks?
This course analyzes these issues from a comparative perspective, to understand American politics in a global context. The course covers:
(i) The core concepts and meanings of populism and authoritarianism, and the classification of populist parties and leaders;
(ii) Explanations focused on the 'demand-side' role of cultural value change, economic grievances, and patterns of immigration, and the 'supply-side' role of electoral rules and party competition;
(iii) The impact on the civic culture, the policy agenda and liberal democracy; and
(iv) Alternative strategic policy responses.
The course is assessed through two papers. There are no prerequisites for taking the class. Materials will be added as the semester progresses via the Canvass course website.
Pedagogy
The course will use four main methods of instruction and learning: see the syllabus for details.
Weekly class discussion sessions Mondays 8.30-10.15am,
Weekly asynchronous pre-class lecture video and readings
Weekly live online peer-learning workgroups (starting 25 Sept)
Office hours: individual by signup appointment via zoom