A case study: Populism

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QUESTION: To what extent do you agree with the statement that "populism is a threat to democracy rather than its stimulant"?

Answer to the question by discussing reasons for the rise of populism, evaluating methods and arguments used by the populists and analysing the effects of populism in society and political life.
Use the Brexit campaign in the UK as an example of populism (a case study). (You may give other examples too but do not just list them without analysis).
The form of the question demands to consider both "threat" and "stimulus" aspects. ("However,..." "On the other hand,...").
Make straight references to the sources; F.ex. "According to the article…" ”As Cummings (or his character) says in the movie:..." "Contrary to Ikäheimo's conclusions, the 'Brexiters' seem to..." "... Accordingly, Müller's views on populism support my own analysis of the motives of the Leave campaign."

The structure of the essay:
• Introduction to the research question and an argument which should be analysed (one paragraph; ”The aim of this essay is to...”)
• The analysis (as many paragraphs as needed)
• The conclusions (one paragraph)

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Submit here your notes based on the article "The era of populism" (a link below)

Questions for focusing your studying and notemaking:
• The definition of ’populism’ and its problems?
• What is common for different explanations for the rise of populism?
• What is typical for the populist supporters?
• Why cultural explanations are more emphatised nowadays than the socio-economic factors?
• What arguments could be given for the statement that ”populism stimulates democracy”?
• What arguments could be given for the statement that ”populism is a threat to democracy”?
• Why an impact of populist parties differs in different countries?

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Source A) An article

"The era of populism"

An article written by Hannu-Pekka Ikäheimo (SITRA). Published on 21 March 2017.

Source B) A movie

"Brexit - the Uncivil War"

Great Britain voted to resign from the EU in June 2016 and in the beginning of 2021 the 'Brexit' came into effect officially. Dominic Cummings (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) led the Leave Vote campaign. Among British real-life politics, the film will meet the lead figures of the Leave campaign, London Mayor (the current Prime Minister) Boris Johnson and Minister of Justice Michael Gove, among others. Also involved are Nigel Farage, the leader of UKIP (United Kingdom Independence Party) and a UKIP financier, businessman Arron Banks. Cummings´counterpart in the film is Craig Oliver, the leader of the Remain campaign in support of EU membership. (92 minutes, UK 2018).

Study especially these while watching the movie:

The motives and the arguments of the 'Brexiters'?
The strategy and methods used by the Leave campaign?
The role of media and social media in the campaigns?
The methods and arguments used by the Remain campaign as a response to the Leave campaign?
Main reasons for the success of the Leave campaign and the failure of the Remain campaign?

Essay Mark Bands

	Approach to the Question		Knowledge		Analysis
	Demands of Q	Structure	Knowledge	Concepts	Critical Analysis	Perspectives
0	Not understood	No obvious structure	No obvious knowledge	No relevant examples	No analysis	None
1-3	Little Understanding	Poorly structured, or not focussed on task	Little knowledge present, factual inaccuracies or vague assertions		No critical analysis. Unsubstantiated assertions and generalisations	N/A
4-6	Some understanding	Some attempt at structure but lacking clarity and coherence	Some knowledge demonstrated but inaccuracies/ irrelevancies.	Superficial context	Some limited analysis, but mainly narrative	N/A
7-9	Understanding but only partially addressed	Attempts at structured answer	Knowledge is relevant and mostly accurate. Appropriate examples	Events in context	Mainly narrative but some critical comment, often unsustained	N/A
10-12	Question understood and addressed	Generally well structured. Some lack of clarity	Knowledge is relevant and accurate. Examples are appropriate and support analysis	Events in context and clear understanding of historical concepts	Mainly clear and coherent arguments and critical analysis. Points mainly substantiated and clear conclusion	Some awareness and evaluation of different perspectives
13-15	Clear focus with high level of understanding and implications	Well structured throughout	Knowledge is relevant and accurate. Appropriate and relevant examples used to effectively support analysis.	Clear context and understanding of concepts	Clear and coherent arguments and critical analysis. Points are substantiated and clear conclusion	Evaluation of different perspectives integrated into answer.

Command terms

Command term		Definition
Analyse		Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.
Compare		Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Compare and contrast		Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Contrast		Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Discuss		Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.
Evaluate		Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.
Examine		Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue.
To what extent		Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.