Fact Check: "Populism has gained traction in various countries worldwide in recent years."
What We Know
Populism has indeed seen a notable rise across various countries globally in recent years. According to the Ipsos Populism Report 2025, a significant 56% of respondents across 31 countries feel that their societies are broken, indicating a fertile ground for populist sentiments. The report highlights that political changes in countries like Mexico and Italy have led to improved public sentiment, suggesting that populist movements are responsive to political dynamics.
Furthermore, the Global Trends 2025 report notes that economic challenges such as inflation and inequality, along with geopolitical instability, have spurred the rise of populist and far-right movements. This aligns with findings from the Pew Research Center, which indicates that populist parties, particularly on the right, have increased their electoral support in Europe, as seen in recent elections in Italy and Sweden.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that populism has gained traction is robust. The Ipsos report indicates a widespread perception of societal breakdown, which is a common precursor to the rise of populism. The report's findings are based on a comprehensive survey across multiple countries, enhancing its reliability.
The Global Trends 2025 report also provides a macroeconomic context for the rise of populism, linking it to broader economic and geopolitical trends. This connection is critical as it situates populism within a framework of societal discontent, making the claim more credible.
However, it is essential to consider potential biases in these sources. The Ipsos report, while based on survey data, may reflect the specific contexts of the countries surveyed, which could skew perceptions of populism's rise. Similarly, the Global Trends report, produced by a government agency, may have inherent biases based on its objectives and audience.
The Pew Research Center is generally regarded as a reliable source for political data, which adds credibility to its findings regarding the electoral success of populist parties. The report from Vision of Humanity further corroborates these trends by discussing the resurgence of political disruption linked to populist movements.
Conclusion
The claim that "populism has gained traction in various countries worldwide in recent years" is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources indicates a clear trend of increasing support for populist movements, driven by economic challenges and societal discontent. The convergence of findings from different reports reinforces the validity of this claim.
