The Populist Playbook: Why Identity Trumps Policy and How Democrats Can Adapt

Despite their poor record in office, populists continue to win elections. Traditional models that assume a narrow definition of self-interest fail to explain the electoral resilience of populism. Contrary to conventional wisdom, voters typically make choices based on their social identities and support candidates with whom they can identify. Because populism is a variety of identity politics—always based on ‘us’ versus ‘them’—democrats and liberals seeking to counter it should play the identity game in a virtuous way, rather than vilify it or pretend it does not exist. More specifically, they should try to build inclusive identities through a liberal patriotic narrative that fosters a sense of shared fate across diverse groups. This article discusses specific features of this narrative and the supporting conditions it requires to become a plausible alternative to right-wing populists’ divisive appeals.