The article discusses the rise of populism in liberal democracies, arguing that it has become a mainstream political phenomenon rather than a pathology. It defines populism as an ideology that divides society into two groups: 'the pure people' and 'the corrupt elite', and asserts that politics should reflect the general will of the people. The article rejects the notion that populism is a normal pathology of Western democracies and instead argues that it has become a dominant political trend. It also critiques the responses to populism, suggesting that many attempts to counter it are flawed and may actually strengthen it. Populism is characterized by a Manichean worldview, where there are only friends and foes, and it often involves anti-party sentiments. Populists are not necessarily opposed to technocratic measures, and some, like the Canadian Social Credit movement, have supported technocratic regimes. Populism is not inherently left or right, though it is often associated with the far right. The article also notes that populism can be found on the left, as seen in some European parties. The article explores the causes of the current populist Zeitgeist, including the perceived corruption of political elites, the role of the media in shaping public opinion, the increased education and emancipation of citizens, and the depoliticization of Western democracies. It argues that the media's focus on sensationalism and the decline of traditional political authority have contributed to the rise of populism. Additionally, the article highlights the shift from apolitical politics to more participatory forms of democracy, which has been a significant factor in the popularity of populist movements. The article concludes that while populism is a significant trend in liberal democracies, it is not inevitable. The dynamic between populist challengers and the establishment can lead to a populist Zeitgeist, which may dissipate once the challenge seems to be over. However, structural changes in Western democracies, including the move away from legal authority to charismatic authority, suggest that populism will continue to be a regular feature of democratic politics.The article discusses the rise of populism in liberal democracies, arguing that it has become a mainstream political phenomenon rather than a pathology. It defines populism as an ideology that divides society into two groups: 'the pure people' and 'the corrupt elite', and asserts that politics should reflect the general will of the people. The article rejects the notion that populism is a normal pathology of Western democracies and instead argues that it has become a dominant political trend. It also critiques the responses to populism, suggesting that many attempts to counter it are flawed and may actually strengthen it. Populism is characterized by a Manichean worldview, where there are only friends and foes, and it often involves anti-party sentiments. Populists are not necessarily opposed to technocratic measures, and some, like the Canadian Social Credit movement, have supported technocratic regimes. Populism is not inherently left or right, though it is often associated with the far right. The article also notes that populism can be found on the left, as seen in some European parties. The article explores the causes of the current populist Zeitgeist, including the perceived corruption of political elites, the role of the media in shaping public opinion, the increased education and emancipation of citizens, and the depoliticization of Western democracies. It argues that the media's focus on sensationalism and the decline of traditional political authority have contributed to the rise of populism. Additionally, the article highlights the shift from apolitical politics to more participatory forms of democracy, which has been a significant factor in the popularity of populist movements. The article concludes that while populism is a significant trend in liberal democracies, it is not inevitable. The dynamic between populist challengers and the establishment can lead to a populist Zeitgeist, which may dissipate once the challenge seems to be over. However, structural changes in Western democracies, including the move away from legal authority to charismatic authority, suggest that populism will continue to be a regular feature of democratic politics.