From Le Pen to Farage, Meloni to Trump, the rise of populism is changing the face of politics in Europe and America. But what is driving this change and where it is leading is unknown. It is not even clear where to place it on the political spectrum. Described by its critics as 'far right', some of the policies have seemingly socialist leanings. Le Pen for example is not in favour of the free market and wants to increase taxes on large corporations. All oppose immigration and favour protectionism while appealing to some who traditionally voted left. In the UK, Reform was second in 98 seats, 89 of them to the Labour party. The most fearful point to parallels with the 1930's, where 'national socialism' was the way the Nazis described themselves. While supporters claim this parallel a baseless smear.
Has populist nationalism redrawn the political categories of right and left? Is history relevant, and might populism lead to tyranny and racism? Or is it an attack on a liberal elite that has benefitted from free trade and open borders but has undermined the livelihoods of many working people?