Populism versus Cosmopolitan Liberalism: An alternative to the traditional left-right dimension in contemporary Western politics as the core currency of political exchange in times of changing narratives?

This research examines the relevance of the left-right distinction and possibly newly emerging dimensions in contemporary Western politics. The research question is: To what extent does the populist – cosmopolitan liberalist dimension replace the traditional left-right dimension in contemporary politics as the core currency of political exchange in times of changing narratives? It draws upon current developments as a growing political dissatisfaction and the inability of political parties or movements to engage the audience, as well as a universal debate about the intellectual discourse of the traditional meaning and relevance of left and right. Three recent events are analyzed through critical discourse analysis and content analysis: Brexit, the election of Trump and the French presidential elections. The analysis shows that the left-right distinction cannot be replaced by the populist – cosmopolitan liberalist dimension, however that the populist – cosmopolitan narrative seems...Show moreThis research examines the relevance of the left-right distinction and possibly newly emerging dimensions in contemporary Western politics. The research question is: To what extent does the populist – cosmopolitan liberalist dimension replace the traditional left-right dimension in contemporary politics as the core currency of political exchange in times of changing narratives? It draws upon current developments as a growing political dissatisfaction and the inability of political parties or movements to engage the audience, as well as a universal debate about the intellectual discourse of the traditional meaning and relevance of left and right. Three recent events are analyzed through critical discourse analysis and content analysis: Brexit, the election of Trump and the French presidential elections. The analysis shows that the left-right distinction cannot be replaced by the populist – cosmopolitan liberalist dimension, however that the populist – cosmopolitan narrative seems more engaging for the audience, differing per case in terms of intensity and focus. A new terminology that is entirely able to cover the current debate is yet to be defined.Show less

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Populism versus Cosmopolitan Liberalism: An alternative to the traditional left-right dimension in contemporary Western politics as the core currency of political exchange in times of changing narratives?