Christian F. Rostbøll's *Democratic Respect: Populism, Resentment, and the Struggle for Recognition* examines the nature of populism, the reasons behind public support for populist leaders and parties, and the validity of their demands within a democratic context. Rostbøll defines populism as a political movement centered on the conflict between the people and the elite, characterized by a "zero-sum" logic and the legitimacy of a majority of the people as the true demos. He outlines three key aspects of populism: the characteristics of politics, the logic of politics, and the requirements of democratic legitimacy. These include the idea that politics is a battle for victory, driven by will rather than reason, and that democratic legitimacy requires the immediate and direct expression of the people's will. Rostbøll focuses on right-wing populism, noting its rise in Western Europe and the U.S., driven by feelings of disrespect and loss of status among groups such as white Christians and heterosexuals. He distinguishes between esteem and respect, arguing that populist demands often stem from a loss of status rather than a lack of merit. While some demands may be compatible with democracy, others, based on claimed superiority, lack legitimacy. Populism promotes a binary conflict, pitting the people against the elite, and undermines democratic values such as tolerance, compromise, and respect for dissent. Rostbøll argues that populism threatens democracy by promoting a false choice between full acceptance of a group's way of life or being labeled an enemy. He suggests that while populism may address some democratic shortcomings, it often reinforces polarization and undermines democratic principles. The author concludes that populism should not become a legitimate form of participation, as it risks eroding democratic systems. The book is essential for understanding the nature of populism, its appeal, and its implications for democracy, emphasizing the importance of respecting diverse demands within democratic pluralism and equality.Christian F. Rostbøll's *Democratic Respect: Populism, Resentment, and the Struggle for Recognition* examines the nature of populism, the reasons behind public support for populist leaders and parties, and the validity of their demands within a democratic context. Rostbøll defines populism as a political movement centered on the conflict between the people and the elite, characterized by a "zero-sum" logic and the legitimacy of a majority of the people as the true demos. He outlines three key aspects of populism: the characteristics of politics, the logic of politics, and the requirements of democratic legitimacy. These include the idea that politics is a battle for victory, driven by will rather than reason, and that democratic legitimacy requires the immediate and direct expression of the people's will. Rostbøll focuses on right-wing populism, noting its rise in Western Europe and the U.S., driven by feelings of disrespect and loss of status among groups such as white Christians and heterosexuals. He distinguishes between esteem and respect, arguing that populist demands often stem from a loss of status rather than a lack of merit. While some demands may be compatible with democracy, others, based on claimed superiority, lack legitimacy. Populism promotes a binary conflict, pitting the people against the elite, and undermines democratic values such as tolerance, compromise, and respect for dissent. Rostbøll argues that populism threatens democracy by promoting a false choice between full acceptance of a group's way of life or being labeled an enemy. He suggests that while populism may address some democratic shortcomings, it often reinforces polarization and undermines democratic principles. The author concludes that populism should not become a legitimate form of participation, as it risks eroding democratic systems. The book is essential for understanding the nature of populism, its appeal, and its implications for democracy, emphasizing the importance of respecting diverse demands within democratic pluralism and equality.