A Dynamic Theory of Populism in Power

Populism and its potential political dangers are now central concerns of political science. In this groundbreaking, masterly work, Carrion outlines why and how populist leaders come into power. * A. Siaroff, CHOICE * Carrion's book is essential reading for scholars and policymakers who want to understand populism in the Andean region. In clear prose and with deep knowledge of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela, Carrion explains the precise mechanisms and processes by which populism becomes authoritarianism in some, but not all cases. As democratic backsliding accelerates in multiple countries of the Americas, Carrion shows what guardrails can restrain populist leaders, once elected, from undoing liberal democracy altogether. * Cynthia Arnson, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars * In a sweeping and succinct comparative analysis, Carrion examines the volatile and complex world of Andean politics as he crafts a framework for understanding populism's impact on 21st century regimes. The study deftly illuminates the underlying dynamics at work: how power-grabbing leaders plot to subvert democratic institutions and how opponents can push back authoritarian projects. Scholars and policymakers will welcome this timely and significant investigation of what is now a global phenomenon. * Catherine Conaghan, Queen's University, Canada * We know how populism emerges, but we don't often know how it ends. Sometimes populists transform countries into semi-authoritarian systems, sometimes they are defeated. Julio Carrion has given us impressive conceptual tools to understand populist outcomes. Drawing on the best scholarship as well as his own keen review of vital facts, Carrion's theory is elegant, systematic, and compelling-a must-read for all students of populism in the Andes and beyond. * Javier Corrales, Amherst College * In this path-breaking book, Carrion convincingly argues that the election of a populist leader does not necessarily lead to the end of democracy. By analyzing five cases of populist leaders in power in contemporary Latin America, he discusses under which circumstances the election of populist outsiders can foster an authoritarian backlash. Because of the development of a sophisticated theoretical framework and the provision of strong empirical evidence, this book will certainly inspire further research on the impact of populism on democracy in Latin America and beyond. * Cristobal Rovira Kaltwasse, Universidad Diego Portales * This book could not be more timely. Carrion brilliantly synthesizes evidence from five cases in the Andes, to show why populism usually ends in authoritarianism. A must-read for all concerned about the fate of liberal democracy. * Mitchell A. Seligson, Vanderbilt University * Based on his deep, comprehensive knowledge of politics in the Andean countries, Julio Carrion provides an instructive analysis of the sequential steps in which populist leaders try to impose their hegemony. This timely study convincingly explains why democracy falls in some cases, but not others-the crucial question raised by populism's global advance in recent years. * Kurt Weyland, University of Texas at Austin *