Populism Final Exam

Write a short essay (1200 – 1500 words) on one out of three topics below. You are supposed to write
the essay using the knowledge learned from the readings (including references to the literature).
It is possible to use the readings. The essays will be assessed using the following criteria:
factual accuracy (10 points), complexity or ability to apply more approaches/sources (4 points),
originality (4 points), references (2 points). Written language skills (English proficiency level)
will not be part of the evaluation.


You have 180 minutes to finish the essay. After finishing the essay, please, upload it into the
Homework Vault („Exam essay“) in the Study Materials of the course.




Topics:

1. Populism is usually combined with a host ideology such as nativism or (radical) socialism. Is it
still possible to think about shared reasons behind the success of different types of populist
parties?


2. Government participation is a challenge for populist parties for obvious reasons. However, in
some cases, populists survive while being in government? Discuss possible reasons behind their
survival.


3. Populism is usually seen as the opposite to liberal democracy. Nevertheless, does liberal
democracy contribute to the rise of populism?