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Höger- och vänsterpopulism: En Idéanalytisk Jämförelse

Pelinka, Jonathan LU (2025) STVK04 20242
Department of Political Science
Abstract
This study analyzes the differences and similarities between right- and left-wing populism through an ideational analysis of the political rhetoric of Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign. The study used the framework of Mudde and Kaltwassers definition of populism as a “thin ideology”, and the research identifies the differences and similarities between the two candidates´ rhetoric. Both Trump and Sanders construct a polarity between “the pure people” and “the corrupt elite” and position themselves as legitimate representatives of the peoples Volonté général (general will). The study concludes that beside the similarities the two candidates diverge significantly based on their ideological stance.... (More)
This study analyzes the differences and similarities between right- and left-wing populism through an ideational analysis of the political rhetoric of Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign. The study used the framework of Mudde and Kaltwassers definition of populism as a “thin ideology”, and the research identifies the differences and similarities between the two candidates´ rhetoric. Both Trump and Sanders construct a polarity between “the pure people” and “the corrupt elite” and position themselves as legitimate representatives of the peoples Volonté général (general will). The study concludes that beside the similarities the two candidates diverge significantly based on their ideological stance. Trump's rhetoric was nativistic, exclusionary right-wing populism and emphasized nationalism, anti-elitism and vague problems and solutions. Sanders, however, advocates for an inclusive left-wing populism that focuses on economic equality and social justice, critiquing the economic elites and their influence over power. Using qualitative textual analysis of campaign speeches, this study contributes to the understanding of populism´s manifestation across the political spectrum, highlighting how the core elements of populism can differently be utilized to mobilize voter support. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Pelinka, Jonathan LU
supervisor
organization
course
STVK04 20242
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Populism, Right-wing, Left-wing, Political Rhetoric, Presidential Election
language
English
id
9179469
date added to LUP
2025-03-04 12:56:26
date last changed
2025-03-04 12:56:26
@misc{9179469,
  abstract     = {{This study analyzes the differences and similarities between right- and left-wing populism through an ideational analysis of the political rhetoric of Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign. The study used the framework of Mudde and Kaltwassers definition of populism as a “thin ideology”, and the research identifies the differences and similarities between the two candidates´ rhetoric. Both Trump and Sanders construct a polarity between “the pure people” and “the corrupt elite” and position themselves as legitimate representatives of the peoples Volonté général (general will). The study concludes that beside the similarities the two candidates diverge significantly based on their ideological stance. Trump's rhetoric was nativistic, exclusionary right-wing populism and emphasized nationalism, anti-elitism and vague problems and solutions. Sanders, however, advocates for an inclusive left-wing populism that focuses on economic equality and social justice, critiquing the economic elites and their influence over power. Using qualitative textual analysis of campaign speeches, this study contributes to the understanding of populism´s manifestation across the political spectrum, highlighting how the core elements of populism can differently be utilized to mobilize voter support.}},
  author       = {{Pelinka, Jonathan}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Höger- och vänsterpopulism: En Idéanalytisk Jämförelse}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}