International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

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Populism and Polarization: Redefining Party Politics in the 21st Century

Author(s) Dr. Aftabuddin Ahammad
Country India
Abstract The 21st century has witnessed an unprecedented transformation in party politics, marked by the rise of populism and heightened political polarization. Populist movements, often framed around charismatic leadership and anti-establishment rhetoric, have challenged traditional party structures, reshaping voter alignments and policy priorities. Concurrently, polarization has deepened ideological divides, fostering an environment where consensus-building and institutional cooperation have become increasingly difficult. This dynamic interaction between populism and polarization not only redefines party competition but also influences democratic resilience, public discourse, and governance strategies. By analysing global trends and comparative case studies, this study elucidates the mechanisms through which populism intensifies political fragmentation and examines how polarization affects electoral strategies, party realignment, and policy-making processes. The research underscores the need to reassess conventional frameworks of political party theory, offering insights into the evolving nature of democracy in an era of heightened ideological contestation.
Keywords Populism, Political Polarization, Party Politics, 21st Century Democracy, Electoral Behaviour, Populist Movements, Ideological Divides, Anti-Establishment Politics, Democratic Resilience, Voter Alignment, Political Fragmentation, Party Realignment, Governance Strategies, Political Discourse, Comparative Politics, Populist Leadership, Institutional Cooperation, Policy-Making, Ideological Contestation, Global Political Trends.
Field Sociology > Politics
Published In Volume 7, Issue 5, September-October 2025
Published On 2025-10-17
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i05.58221

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