Populism

Both the far right and far left are often perceived as fringe movements, positioned outside the bounds of "acceptable" society. Yet, they often arise from within society itself, surfacing when people feel unrepresented, ignored, or left behind by mainstream institutions. These extremes can act as expressions of discontent, highlighting societal grievances on issues like economic inequality, perceived cultural erosion, or political disenfranchisement. 

Fascism, often linked to the far right but with traits that can emerge across ideologies, embodies a radical response to perceived societal decline, promising order and identity in place of complexity and compromise. 

Dismissing these movements as mere outliers ignores their roots in real societal anxieties, shared by individuals feeling unheard or powerless. Recognising these extremes as part of society rather than external to it may be uncomfortable, yet it’s crucial to address the underlying grievances that give them traction if we are to foster a more inclusive and resilient social fabric. 

These people are us, but with different concerns.

Ignoring the concerns of the far right poses several dangers that can ultimately destabilise society. Here are the key risks which are already prevalent in the West.

• Dismissing the far right’s concerns can deepen divisions within society, driving people further toward extremes rather than encouraging balanced discourse. 
• When people feel ignored, they may lose faith in democratic processes, leading to an erosion of trust in institutions and a rise in anti-democratic sentiments. 
• Marginalising the far right can create an echo chamber for conspiracy theories, as those who feel disregarded may turn to alternative sources of information, which can promote unfounded beliefs and radicalisation.
• Ignoring grievances allows extremist leaders to exploit these issues, positioning themselves as the only "truth-tellers" addressing legitimate problems and recruiting followers more easily.
• If left unaddressed, grievances may be expressed through increasingly hostile rhetoric, normalising hate speech or even leading to violent actions as frustration mounts.
• When specific groups feel ignored, it can lead to the fragmentation of society, weakening the sense of shared identity and values critical to a stable and inclusive society.

Addressing these concerns openly and inclusively doesn’t mean legitimising extremist views, but rather understanding and engaging with the underlying issues to mitigate the risks associated with political alienation.

America has, tomorrow, a chance to show the world whether its citizens understand the danger posed by populists. Half of them will rejoice in showing they don't by voting for someone who is demonstrably not at all concerned with their problems and wants power for power's sake. 

Trump has been compared with Homelander, the narcissistic superhero from Netflix's The Boys.

• Both figures have an intense need for public adulation. They go to great lengths to maintain their image and popularity, treating loyalty as a measure of personal success and validation. 
• Both present a carefully crafted public image that’s markedly different from their private reality. Homelander projects himself as a noble hero, while privately, he is ruthless and indifferent. Similarly, Trump’s public persona as a champion of the people contrasts with the criticisms of self-interest and questionable personal conduct. 
• Each wields the media as a tool for influence, skilfully bending narratives to their favour. Homelander uses his superhero image to control public perception, and Trump leverages social media and news to project his viewpoints and rally his base. 
• Both are combative when faced with criticism, often responding with hostility or dismissing opposition as illegitimate. This approach fuels their supporters but creates a polarising “us vs. them” dynamic. 
• Both exhibit a belief in their own exceptionalism. Homelander’s superpowers place him above others in a literal sense, while Trump’s confidence in his own vision and actions often reflects a similar conviction of being "different" or “superior” in his field. 

These parallels highlight their shared traits of self-aggrandisement, media mastery, and the careful curation of public image combined with a deep need for validation.