The failure of reason and rise of populism require adequate measures in response to preserve a progressive rule-based system. Today, irresponsible, radicalized elements, with an eye on power, shop through left, right and center political agendas at will, to make an opportunist case for gaining political support. 17 million “leave” voters in the UK, known for pragmatism, have shown how successful these tactics can be.
Redefining the political message for electorates across the continent requires responsible, progressive populists – a leadership class of “popularizers.” We need the emergence of local and national leaders with enough charisma, endurance and boldness, who can create and speak to an appealing vision, balancing the reasonable policy and reform ideas with a mixture of showmanship and hitting the right emotional spots. We need leaders able to rally and mobilize voters in peacetime as if it were war – in order to prevent it.
A key task for them is to understand the link of hyper-speed information and emotions – and be much better at getting the messaging right, capturing hearts and minds. Current moderate political leadership has forgotten that it is always about bread and games – so at least a taste of them needs to be delivered. Be a better populist – live by the sword, die by the sword.
