Populism and Authoritarianism: Perspectives from the Global North and South

Populism and authoritarianism often overlap, but what is their relationship across different global contexts?

While populism centres around the 'people' and the 'corrupt elite', authoritarianism focuses on a governance system where power is concentrated in a single leader or a small group, limiting political freedoms.

How do the Global North and South shape and define these political approaches and dynamics? How do factors such as race, religion and identity intersect to influence these political models?

AIIA Victoria invites you to join an expert panel for a comparative examination of shared trends, regional differences, and the broader impact of populism and authoritarianism on democracy and governance worldwide.

Professor Simon Tormey will offer a theoretical perspective, analysing the key features of populism and authoritarianism and providing a global framework to understand their causes and effects.

Professor Clare Corbould will examine these dynamics in the Global North, addressing how populism and authoritarianism intersect with race, identity, and historical legacies in Western democracies. Her perspective will illustrate the challenges and transformations these forces bring to democratic systems.

Professor Ihsan Yilmaz will provide insights into the Global South, focusing on civilisational populism and the rise of civilisation states, particularly in regions like the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. His analysis will highlight the role of religion and cultural identity in shaping nation-building and authoritarian governance.

To download the flyer please click here.

AIIA Victoria gratefully acknowledges the Walter Mangold Trust Fund for their support of our young members.