Populism in Comparative Perspective: Sectarian Populism

• In Event: Political Processes in South Korea

Abstract

This study delves into the evolving landscape of populism, a phenomenon gaining momentum globally yet eluding definitive characterization. Traditional perspectives view populism as a 'thin ideology', capable of integrating across the ideological spectrum, from left-wing economic to right-wing nativist stances. However, this approach potentially overlooks deeper ideological nuances within political rhetoric, raising the question of populism's extent beyond conventional ideologies. The study posits that understanding populism's nature, particularly in terms of its interplay with various ideologies and manifestations across different regional contexts, is crucial.

Central to this investigation is the exploration of populism in less examined regions, with a focus on its manifestation according to regional tendencies. The research emphasizes the concept of political sectarianism, especially in American politics, and introduces the notion of 'sectarian populism'. This form of populism combines the elements of thin-ideology populism with political sectarianism, highlighting a shift from traditional populist rhetoric to a focus on moralistic divides and party groups.

The study's primary contribution lies in examining populism as a thin-centered ideology and its interaction with different ideologies. It addresses whether populism operates independently or in conjunction with other ideologies, highlighting its adaptability and significance in diverse political landscapes. This reevaluation of populism extends to empirical analysis in the East Asian context, particularly South Korea, where populism predominantly exhibits traits of political sectarianism, diverging from traditional economic and nativist analyses.

Significantly, the research examines the manifestation of sectarian populism in South Korea, utilizing text analysis of party statements over a decade (2012-2022). The findings indicate an increasing use of sectarian populism, especially by opposition parties during electoral cycles. This underscores populism's ability to adopt elements from rigid ideologies like political sectarianism, a trend evident in regions like South Korea.

In conclusion, this study highlights the critical need to incorporate sectarian populism into the broader understanding of populism. It reveals the potential for populism to manifest autonomously, marked by partisan divides and political sectarianism, thereby escalating societal division and polarization. These insights are pivotal in comprehending the complexities of populist movements and their implications for democratic norms and political landscapes.

Author

• Yujin Julia Jung, Mount St. Mary's University