We, as ECPS, are excited to share the videos of thought-provoking sessions from the International Conference on Populisms, Digital Technologies, and the 2024 Elections in Indonesia, hosted by Deakin University in collaboration with the European Center for Populism Studies (ECPS), Universitas Indonesia, and Universitas Gadjah Mada. This event, funded by the generous support of the Australian Research Council (ARC), the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalization (ADI), and ECPS, offers invaluable insights into Indonesia’s dynamic political landscape following its multi-level elections.
Held at the Alfred Deakin Institute, the conference provided a platform to discuss the evolving roles of populism, digital technology, AI, disinformation, religion, and socio-political forces shaping Indonesia’s democratic discourse. Over two engaging days, 31 papers were presented across eight panels, each diving into specific aspects of populism—from Gender and Youth to the impacts of Sharp Power, Disinformation, and Cancel Culture, and from Populist Strategy and Communication to Authoritarianism and Islamist Populism.
The conference also featured keynote addresses from esteemed scholars, Professor Simon Tormey, an expert in populism theory, and Professor Vedi Hadiz, known for his work on Islamic populism in Indonesia, bringing depth and perspective to this vital topic.
Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with these groundbreaking discussions—watch the full conference videos, thanks to the support of ARC, ADI, and ECPS.
Welcoming Speech
By Dr. Fethi Mansouri (Deakin Distinguished Professor, the Founding Director of the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation at Deakin University, Australia.)
Keynote Speech
“The Populism Puzzle – Sociological Approach,” by Dr. Simon Tormey (A Political Theorist and the Executive Dean of Arts and Education at Deakin University in Australia).
Date/Time: Thursday, November 28, 2024 — 15:00-17:10 (CET)
Moderator
Dr. Jocelyne Cesari (Chair of Religion and Politics at the University of Birmingham (UK) and Senior Fellow at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University).
Speakers
“In Search of the ‘Infant People’: Continuity and Rupture in Turkey’s Political Landscape,”Dr. Spyros Sofos (Assisstant Professor, Department of Global Humanities, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver).
“Populism in Transition: Continuities and Shifts in Turkey’s Political Landscape (2023-2024),” by Dr. Emre Erdogan(Professor of Political Science at Istanbul Bilgi University).
“Autocratic Practices of The Gendered Regime in Turkey,” by Hafza Girdap (Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Stony Brook University, New York).
“Erdogan’s Media Capture Strategies and Their Role in Founding and Consolidating Autocracyin Turkey,” byErgun Babahan (Journalist, Former Editor-in-Chief of Sabah daily and Ahval news).
“Erdogan Regime as Emerging Sharp Power,” byDr. Aleksandra Spancerska(Research Fellow at the Polish Institute of International Affairs).
Brief Biographies and Abstracts
Professor Jocelyne Cesari holds the Chair of Religion and Politics at the University of Birmingham (UK) and is Senior Fellow at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University. Since 2018, she is the T. J. Dermot Dunphy Visiting Professor of Religion, Violence, and Peacebuilding at Harvard Divinity School. President elect of the European Academy of Religion (2018-19), her work on religion and politics has garnered recognition and awards: 2020 Distinguished Scholar of the religion section of the International Studies Association, Distinguished Fellow of the Carnegie Council for Ethics and International Affairs and the Royal Society for Arts in the United Kingdom. Her new book: We God’s Nations: Political Christianity, Islam and Hinduism in the World of Nations, was published by Cambridge University Press in 2022 (Book Award of the Scientific Society for the Study of Religion). Other publications: What is Political Islam? (Rienner, 2018, Book Award 2019 of the religion section of the ISA); Islam, Gender and Democracy in a Comparative Perspective (OUP, 2017), The Awakening of Muslim Democracy: Religion, Modernity and the State (CUP, 2014). She is the academic advisor of www.euro-islam.info
In Search of the ‘Infant People’: Continuity and Rupture in Turkey’s Political Landscape
Dr. Spyros Sofos is Assistant Professor in Global Humanities at Simon Fraser University, Canada. He has held academic positions in the UK, Sweden, and Italy, including at Lund University and the London School of Economics. His research examines the intersection of societal insecurity, identity, and collective action, with a focus on Turkish politics, nationalism, populism, European Muslim identities, and populism theory. His latest book, Turkish Politics and ‘The People’: Mass Mobilisation and Populism (Edinburgh University Press, 2022), traces the genealogy of populism in contemporary Turkey. He is the founder and lead editor of #RethinkingPopulism, originally launched in collaboration with openDemocracy.
Abstract: This talk explores the construction and evolution of the concept of “the people” in Turkey’s political discourse. It examines how ideas of popular identity have been historically used to support autocratic regimes, from Ataturk’s secularist rule in early republican Turkey to the tutelary democracies that followed his death and finally to the Islamist-nationalist populism of the present day. Central to this analysis is the metaphor of “the infant people,” a symbol embodying both innocence and helplessness. The talk highlights how political elites have alternately celebrated and patronized “the people,” portraying them as the rightful bearers of sovereignty while simultaneously deeming them unprepared to exercise their rights. This dual approach has fostered a flexible yet exclusionary narrative of nationhood—one that legitimizes authoritarian governance and deepens divisions between the people, their supposed guardians, and perceived enemies. By situating this analysis within broader discussions of populist authoritarianism in the Global South, the talk sheds light on the intersection of identity politics and power.
Populism in Transition: Continuities and Shifts in Turkey’s Political Landscape (2023-2024)
Dr. Emre Erdogan is a Professor at the Department of International Relations, Istanbul Bilgi University. With a doctoral degree in Political Science from Bogaziçi University, he has served as researcher and senior consultant in various projects in academia and civil society. His research focuses on political participation, foreign policy and public opinion, child and youth well-being, methodology and statistics. He extensively studies and publishes about youth in Turkey, integration of Syrian refugee youth in Turkey, othering, polarization and populism.
Abstract: This presentation examines the evolving dynamics of populism in Turkey, focusing on the 2023 presidential and 2024 local elections. It highlights the continuities and shifts in populist strategies, exploring how nationalist rhetoric, religious symbolism, and anti-elitist narratives have persisted as central pillars of political discourse. Simultaneously, the presentation delves into significant changes, such as the impact of economic challenges, the rise of new populist actors, and the opposition’s adoption of populist tactics to counter the ruling party. By analyzing these trends, the study reveals how populism has reshaped Turkey’s political and social landscape over the past two years. It addresses critical themes, including heightened polarization, the strategic use of media, and the enduring focus on identity politics. Special attention will be given to how crises like economic instability and natural disasters have influenced populist rhetoric and voter behavior. The presentation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between continuity and change in Turkish populism, offering insights into its implications for democracy and governance. Through this lens, the audience will gain a nuanced perspective on the strategies employed by political actors and the broader socio-political consequences of rising populism in Turkey.
Autocratic Practices of the Gendered Regime in Turkey
Hafza Girdap is an adjunct lecturer in Women’s and Gender Studies at Stony Brook University, New York, where she is also a Ph.D. candidate. She is the spokesperson and program director at Advocates of Silenced Turkey (AST) and a founding member of Set Them Free, focusing on addressing women’s rights violations in Turkey. Girdap’s research examines human rights and the lives of Muslim women, particularly immigrant women’s experiences of integration and cultural identity. Her doctoral work explores self-identification and gendered racialization among immigrant women from Turkey in the US. Beyond academia, Girdap collaborates with research institutes on gender studies, incorporating the voices of women from non-Western contexts. Living in the US since 2016 due to political persecution, she has organized and spoken at UN panels on women’s issues, mentors youth, and runs online global book clubs that address women’s and youth empowerment.
Abstract: This presentation examines how patriarchy, nationalism, and political Islam intersect to shape women’s status and rights in Turkey, with a specific focus on the Justice and Development Party (AKP) era. Both secular and political Islamist patriarchies impose traditional roles on women, while Sunni nationalist hegemony marginalizes not only ethnic minorities, non-Sunni groups, and LGBTQ+ individuals but also those who fall outside the established identity of the mainstream political framework. Drawing on Islamist discourse, I will explore how the AKP has employed state policies and discursive language to regulate women’s status and justify systemic oppression. These dynamics underscore the gendered dimensions of Turkey’s autocratic regime, where authoritarian practices perpetuate systemic violence and inequality.
Erdogan’s Media Capture Strategies and Their Role in Founding and Consolidating Autocracy in Turkey
Ergun Babahan, born in Izmir, Turkey, in 1960, is a senior Turkish journalist. He studied law at Istanbul University, graduating in 1981. After practicing law for a year, he chose journalism as his profession. Over the years, he has worked in various prominent newspapers, including Yeni Asir, Soz, Hurriyet, Sabah, Aksam, and Star, serving as a reporter, editor, managing editor, editor-in-chief, and columnist. As editor-in-chief of Sabah, then Turkey’s second-largest newspaper, he successfully led the publication out of bankruptcy. Mr. Babahan has also enriched his professional experience internationally, attending the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship Program at Stanford University through a scholarship from the German Marshall Fund. Additionally, he participated in a seminar on the American Foreign Policy Process at the University of Maryland, supported by the Ford Foundation.
Abstract: Erdogan once remarked to me, “The media does not bring you to power, but it can easily take you out of power.” This insight shaped his determination to control the mediafrom the beginning of his political career. Having endured significant challenges from a media landscape under the influence of the military tutelage regime, Erdogan sought not to create an independent media but rather to make the media entirely subservient to his authority. He achieved this by exploiting conflicts among media proprietors and leveraging the state’s financial and legal resources. Today, no media structure in Turkey operates independently of Erdogan’s influence—not even outlets that label themselves as opposition. Turkey’s historical tradition of media servitude to those in power has significantly facilitated this process. Erdogan’s unprecedented control over the medianow rivals the dominance once held by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and the architects of military coups, shaping what he terms as “truth.” In this presentation, I will explore why the emergence of an independent media is virtually impossible in a society where reverence for state authority and wealth is deeply ingrained.
Erdogan Regime as Emerging Sharp Power
Dr. Aleksandra Maria Spancerska is a research fellow on Türkiye in the Middle East and Africa Programme. She graduated in international cultural studies and international relations with an oriental specialisation from the Faculty of International and Political Studies at the University of Lodz. She received her PhD in 2024 in the field of social sciences in the discipline of political science and administration. She conducts research on Turkish domestic and foreign policy. She speaks English and Turkish.
Abstract: The concept of sharp power represents a novelty in the study of international relations. It was introduced into scholarly discourse by Christopher Walker and Jessica Ludwig in 2017 at the International Forum for Democratic Studies. The purpose of the speech is to indicate the different areas of Türkiye’s activity in the international forum in terms of sharp power. In my speech I will focus in particular on: technology, modern forms of censorship, political dissidents, and the Turkish diaspora abroad.
Describing Călin Georgescu’s first-round presidential victory as “shocking,” Professor Sorina Christina Soare highlights the pivotal role of social media, particularly TikTok, in mobilizing young voters. “TikTok’s visual simplicity and limited regulatory scrutiny allowed candidates to amplify anti-establishment narratives, effectively engaging younger demographics,” she explains. She emphasizes Georgescu’s populist appeal, driven by “simple yet resonant nationalist rhetoric” and a well-executed campaign strategy. “Georgescu’s polished image and reassuring tone contrasted with more vocal populist figures, enhancing his credibility,” she notes. Despite warning of potential instability, Professor Soare remains optimistic that Romania’s semi-presidential system and pro-European coalitions can sustain the country’s European trajectory.
In a candid and insightful interview with the European Center for Populism Studies (ECPS) on Thursday, Dr. Sorina Christina Soare, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Florence, delves into the dynamics shaping Romania’s political landscape. She examines the resurgence of radical-right populist parties (RRPPs), their connections to historical and socio-economic grievances, and the transformative role of social media in contemporary politics.
Professor Soare begins by contextualizing Romania’s political evolution, emphasizing its “tradition of populist mobilization in post-communist politics” while highlighting systemic issues that have persisted since the democratic transition. She attributes the 2020 resurgence of RRPPs like the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) to a “perfect storm of pandemic-driven malaise, skilled political entrepreneurship, and strong grassroots mobilization.” She explains, “Significant portions of the Romanian population do not see themselves as beneficiaries of the democratic transition or EU membership, fueling dissatisfaction and driving migration.”
The interview also explores the rise of far-right parties such as AUR and SOS Romania. Despite their shared emphasis on defending national identity and traditional values, Professor Soare draws a clear distinction between their organizational strategies, noting that AUR is a “rooted party with strong social ties,” whereas SOS operates as a “personal party” reliant on its leader’s visibility. This reflects broader societal trends, she adds, where “diffuse nationalism and skepticism about EU norms cross party lines,” resonating deeply with voters.
Professor Soare further examines how social media, particularly TikTok, has become a powerful tool for mobilizing young voters, pointing to Călin Georgescu’s “shocking” first-round presidential victory in 2024. “TikTok’s visual simplicity and limited regulatory scrutiny allowed candidates to amplify anti-establishment narratives, effectively engaging younger demographics,” she observes. On Georgescu’s candidacy, she emphasizes its populist appeal, underpinned by “simple yet resonant nationalist rhetoric” and a well-executed campaign strategy. She notes, “Georgescu’s polished image and reassuring tone contrasted with more vocal populist figures, enhancing his credibility.”
Finally, discussing the implications of Georgescu’s potential presidency, Professor Soare underscores the risks and safeguards within Romania’s semi-presidential system. While cautioning against possible instability, she remains optimistic about the country’s ability to maintain its European trajectory, provided mainstream parties can mobilize effectively.
Highlighting Elon Musk’s dual role as a private tech mogul and a potential quasi-governmental leader under elected US President Donald Trump, Professor Anthony J. Nownes underscored the dangers of unregulated private power intersecting with public institutions. He emphasized that ceding excessive power to any private interest—whether in the tech industry or another sector—poses a significant threat to democracy. Illustrating this concern, Professor Nownes pointed to the proposed “Doge Department,” noting, “Unlike actual government departments with conflict-of-interest rules, such private entities lack safeguards, making them a potential avenue for unchecked influence over public resources.”
In an illuminating discussion with the European Center for Populism Studies (ECPS), Professor Anthony J. Nownes, a political science expert from the University of Tennessee and co-author of the book titled The New Entrepreneurial Advocacy -Silicon Valley Elites in American Politics, offered his insights on the growing influence of tech elites and its implications for democracy. Centering on the theme of the delicate balance between private power and public accountability, Professor Nownes emphasized a pressing concern: “Ceding too much power to any private interest—whether the tech industry or any other sector—poses a threat to democracy.”
Highlighting Elon Musk’s dual role as a private tech mogul and a potential quasi-governmental leader under elected US President Donald Trump, Professor Nownes pointed out the dangers of unregulated private power intersecting with public institutions. He explained, for instance, the risks of the proposed “Doge Department” (or Department of Government Efficiency), stating that “unlike actual government departments with conflict-of-interest rules, such private entities lack safeguards, making them a potential avenue for unchecked influence over public resources.”
Turning to the broader historical context, Professor Nownes compared today’s tech moguls to past industrial giants. While corporate influence is not a new phenomenon, he argued that the tech industry’s vast resources and rapid innovation—outpacing government regulation—make its impact unique. Using examples like Microsoft protecting Ukraine from cyberattacks and SpaceX ensuring Ukrainian connectivity, Professor Nownes highlighted how tech companies wield unprecedented power over geopolitical and societal outcomes.
On the issue of lobbying and political advocacy, Professor Nownes delved into the disproportionate focus of Silicon Valley philanthropy on post-material causes, such as environmental conservation and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), rather than structural inequalities. He warned that this prioritization risks sidelining critical issues like income inequality and homelessness, leaving a vacuum often filled by populists like Donald Trump, who, while lacking substantive solutions, at least address these concerns rhetorically.
Professor Nownes also discussed the erosion of public trust in tech companies, exacerbated by scandals such as Cambridge Analytica. Referencing a Pew study that found 78% of Americans believe social media companies wield too much political power, he noted that despite this skepticism, tech giants have not yet faced significant political or economic repercussions. However, he foresees this changing, particularly as ethical considerations—such as the negative effects of social media on children—gain political traction.
Professor Nownes also addressed the future of American democracy under a second Trump administration. While cautiously optimistic about its survival, he acknowledged the erosion of democratic norms and the slow response of legal institutions to recent challenges. His reflections offer a sobering reminder of the delicate equilibrium between private power and public accountability, as well as the need for vigilance in preserving democratic principles in the face of rapid technological and political change.
Dr. Henning Melber (Extraordinary Professor at the Department of Political Sciences/University of Pretoria and the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies/University of the Free State in Bloemfontein and a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London).
Dr. Palesa Nqambaza (Postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Political Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand and a Visiting Research Fellow in the School of Philosophy, Religion, and History of Science at the University of Leeds).
Organizator and Moderator
Neo Sithole (Non-resident Research Fellow at ECPS Foreign Policy Research Group. Ph.D. researcher at the University of Szeged, Hungary).
For More Details: https://www.populismstudies.org/ecps-book-talk-peacemaking-and-peacebuilding-in-south-africa-the-national-peace-accord-1991-1994/
Highlighting the dangers of overlapping corporate and governmental powers, Professor Paul Levinson cautioned, “I am deeply opposed to having the person who owns X also hold a high-ranking government position. That kind of overlap means the government could end up controlling communication platforms.” He elaborated on Musk’s ethical responsibility, stating that if Musk were a “true believer in free speech,” he would either divest from X or refuse a government post. However, Levinson expressed skepticism: “I think we both know he’s likely to do neither.” Levinson also voiced his deep concern for American democracy under a potential second Trump administration, describing it as “the worst threat to our democracy since the Civil War.”
In a riveting interview with the European Center for Populism Studies (ECPS), Dr. Paul Levinson, Professor of Communication & Media Studies at Fordham University, discussed pressing concerns about the intersection of technology, politics, and democracy. Professor Levinson’s insights are especially timely, given Elon Musk’s rising influence as the owner of X (formerly Twitter) and his potential role in a second Trump administration. Highlighting the dangers of overlapping corporate and governmental powers, Professor Levinson cautioned, “I am deeply opposed to having the person who owns X also hold a high-ranking government position. That kind of overlap means the government could end up controlling communication platforms.”
Professor Levinson elaborated on Musk’s ethical responsibility, stating that if Musk were a “true believer in free speech,” he would either divest from X or refuse a government post. However, Professor Levinson expressed skepticism: “I think we both know he’s likely to do neither.”
Throughout the interview, Professor Levinson addressed the broader implications of concentrated power in technology. Despite concerns about billionaires like Musk or the owners of Facebook, Levinson pointed out that their influence has not yet stifled democratic impulses. “Social media provides a unique platform for individuals to disseminate the truth widely, even as it enables lies and fascism,” he noted, striking a balance in his evaluation.
On the issue of disinformation and algorithms, Professor Levinson argued that the negative impact of these technologies is often overstated. He acknowledged their role in targeted advertising, referencing Facebook’s data-sharing with Cambridge Analytica during the 2016 US election. However, he emphasized, “The blame lies not with the algorithms themselves but with the disinformation they are used to spread.”
Professor Levinson’s critique of governmental overreach was particularly sharp. Drawing historical parallels, he warned, “When governments gain such control, they can jeopardize democratic systems, even those that have existed for hundreds of years.” He cited the Thatcher administration’s suppression of unfavorable news during the Falklands War as a case study in the dangers of government-controlled communication.
Reflecting on Trump’s weaponization of “fake news,” Professor Levinson described it as a hallmark of fascism, akin to tactics used by Stalin and Hitler. He lamented, “It amazes me how many people have fallen for this tactic, despite the lessons we should have learned from history.”
Professor Levinson shared his deep concern for American democracy under a potential second Trump administration, describing it as “the worst threat to our democracy since the Civil War.” From absurd appointments to calculated assaults on institutions, Professor Levinson’s insights underline the precarious state of democratic governance in the digital age.
Date/Time: Thursday, November 14, 2024 — 15:00-17:00 (CET)
Moderator
Ali H. Aslan (Washington-based Senior Journalist, Former Washington Correspondent & Columnist of Zaman Daily).
Speakers
“It Was (Mostly) the Economy, Stupid: Explaining Trump’s Victory,” by Dr. Alan Abramowitz (Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Emory University).
“Explaining the US Election Outcome and Its Implications for Global Populism,” by Dr. Jennifer McCoy(Regent’s Professor of Political Science at Georgia State University; Nonresident Scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace & Research Affiliate at CEU’s Democracy Institute in Budapest).
“The Role of White Evangelicals in the 2024 US Presidential Election: What We Know So Far,” by Dr. Marcia Pally (Professor at New York University, the Mercator Guest Professorship in the theology department at Humboldt University-Berlin).
“Does Trumpism Cross the Atlantic?” byDr. Mabel Berezin (Distinguished Professor of Arts & Sciences in Sociology and Director of the Institute for European Studies at Cornell University).
“The Return of Trump and the Future of Global Democracy,” by Dr. Marina Nord (Postdoctoral research fellow at the V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg).
The emergence of repressive and authoritarian “hybrid regimes” poses one of the most significant threats to democracy today. These regimes and authoritarian actors wield information suppression and manipulation as essential tools to disseminate narratives that erode democratic institutions. This issue transcends national borders; digital technologies now enable authoritarian states to infiltrate robust democracies, allowing them to project their authoritarian narratives globally. The transnationalization of authoritarian politics, facilitated by digital technologies, presents substantial challenges to the integrity of democratic processes and institutions.
In response to these challenges, a workshop which is a collaborative effort organized on November 7-8, 2024, by the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation (ADI) at Deakin University, Australia, and the European Center for Populism Studies (ECPS) in Brussels, Belgium. The workshop aimed to investigate how various actors—governments, non-state organizations, state-sponsored entities, and political parties—suppress and manipulate information to erode trust in democratic processes, both domestically and internationally. The workshop also examined the darker dimensions of social media, focusing on the interactions between misinformation, negativity, and polarization.
Moreover, the workshop addressed strategies to counter misinformation and disinformation, along with intervention techniques to mitigate their impacts. It also focused on countering disinformation through activism and explored everyday online experiences with misinformation, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based media literacy education initiatives. Additionally, the event discussed necessary curricular reforms to combat disinformation, toxicity, and polarization in educational contexts, as well as the responses of political elites to conspiracy theories.
The aim of the workshop, funded by the Australian Political Studies Association (APSA), the Australian Research Council (ARC), and the Gerda Henkel Foundation, is to deepen the understanding of these critical issues and explore collaborative strategies to combat misinformation and disinformation in our increasingly complex digital environment.
Round Table 1 – Foreign Interference Campaigns on Social Media: Insights from Field Theory and Computational Social Science
Keynote by Dr. Robert Ackland (Professor, The Australian National University)
Round Table 2 – Manipulating Truth: Authoritarian Strategies of ‘Attention Bombing’ and ‘Epistemic Modulation’ in Hybrid Media Systems
Keynote by Dr. Timothy Graham (Associate Professor, Queensland University of Technology)
Round Table 3 – The Dark Side of Social Media: Misinformation, Negativity, and Polarization
Keynote by Dr. Jason Weismueller (Assistant Professor, University of Western Australia)
Round Table 4 – The Influence of Familiarity and Identity Relevance on Truth Judgements
Keynote by Dr. Li Qian Tay (Postdoctoral Fellow, The Australian National University)
Round Table 5 – Countering State-Sanctioned Information Operations: The #FreeYouth Movement in Thailand
Keynote by Dr. Aim Sinpeng (Associate Professor, The University of Sydney)
Round Table 6 – Investigating Everyday Online Experiences with Misinformation and Responding with Evidence-Informed Media Literacy Education Initiatives
Keynote by Dr. Tanya Notley (Associate Professor, Western Sydney University)
Round Table 7 – Reforming the Curriculum to Counter Disinformation, Toxicity, and Polarization
Keynote by Dr. Mathieu O’Neil (Professor, The University of Canberra; Honorary Associate Professor, The Australian National University)
Round Table 8
Ignore, Rebut or Embrace: Political Elite Responses to Conspiracy Theories
Keynote by Dr. Zim Nwokora (Associate Professor, Deakin University)
And
Disinformation in the City Response Playbook
Keynote by Dr. Jessica (Ika) Trijsburg (Research Fellow in City Diplomacy at the Melbourne University)
Closing Remarks
By Dr. Lydia Khalil (Program Director, Transnational Challenges at Lowry Institute)
In an insightful interview, Professor Lucan Ahmad Wayexpressed serious concerns about the durability of American institutions under Trump’s influence. “I am extremely worried about how American institutions might respond to Trump’s autocratic tendencies,” he stated, noting that subtle abuses, like politicized audits or investigations, could escape media scrutiny yet still erode democratic foundations. While US rule of law might limit overt actions, Professor Way emphasized the risk of covert pressures aimed at silencing opposition, highlighting the fragility of democratic safeguards in polarized times.
In a thought-provoking interview with the European Center for Populism Studies (ECPS), Dr. Lucan Ahmad Way, Distinguished Professor of Democracy at the University of Toronto, expressed deep concerns over the resilience of American institutions in the face of potential autocratic shifts under Donald Trump’s leadership. “I am extremely worried about how American institutions might respond to Trump’s autocratic tendencies,” Professor Way remarked, emphasizing the risk of subtle forms of abuse that might not attract significant media attention but could undermine the democratic fabric.
Professor Way highlighted concerns that Trump could politicize key institutions like the IRS (Internal Revenue Service), Department of Justice, or FBI to target political opponents discreetly. Although the United States’ strong rule of law may prevent extreme actions, such as the imprisonment of opposition leaders, Professor Way warned about the possibility of covert audits and investigations aimed at harassing Trump’s critics or opposition-aligned businesses.
Beyond the US, Professor Way discussed the evolving priorities of liberal democracies globally, noting a growing need for robust military investments in response to threats from authoritarian powers like Russia and China. He urged Western countries to shift focus from democracy promotion to securing the physical safety of democratic nations, particularly given the heightened risks of military conflicts in regions like Ukraine and Taiwan.
Touching on the broader global landscape, Professor Way also identified economic development as a critical factor in the stability of democracies, citing the correlation between increased wealth and democratic resilience. He underscored that while economic challenges often destabilize democracies, they also threaten authoritarian regimes, as seen recently in Bangladesh. Through this interview, Professor Way sheds light on the complex dynamics influencing the future of democracy in both the US and the wider world.
On November 7, 2024, the European Center for Populism Studies (ECPS) organized a panel at the European Parliament in Brussels to examine the critical influence of rising populism on the 2024 European Parliament elections and the forthcoming US administration. Hosted by MEP Radan Kanev and ECPS Honorary President Irina von Wiese, the event featured distinguished experts who discussed the challenges populism poses to transatlantic relations.
Moderated by Dr. Simon P. Watmough, the panel spotlighted ECPS’s comprehensive 2024 report, which analyzed populist party performance across the EU’s 27 member states. Dr. Emilia Zankina and Dr. Gilles Ivaldi, the report’s editors, provided expert insights into the outcomes of the June European Parliament elections. Keynotes by MEPs Radan Kanev and Nathalie Loiseau addressed the challenges of populist politics for EU-US relations and the implications for democratic governance.
We invite you to watch the panel video for in-depth perspectives on these pressing issues and the potential shifts in transatlantic relations amid the rise of populist movements.
