Abstract
Abstract: The article discusses Takis Pappas’s concept of populism as democratic illiberalism. The method of desk research is used and a critical review and reading of the main scholarly texts by Takis Papas concerning the tension between populism and liberal democracy. The analysis has highlighted three main elements of this concept: first, the distinction between liberal and populist democracy; second, the role of charismatic leadership; third, the causal mechanisms that cause populism to emerge and stay in power (politicization of public discontent, creation of a new cleavage between “the people” and “the elite”, and deepening of political polarization). The analysis also includes examples from contemporary political realities in different countries. Conclusions are also drawn on Takis Pappas’s contribution in terms of research methodology in bringing out empirical charac¬teristics of populism, which are related to conceptual unfolding of its definition as well as its relevance in contemporary politics. Conclusions regarding the units of analysis, the conceptual scope of the concept and its specificities are presented. Keywords: Takis Pappas, populism, democratic illiberalism, populist democracy, causal mechanisms
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