Conspiracy and populism can coexist and intersect, but they are not the same thing. Dissatisfaction with mainstream institutions and narratives can give rise to both movements, but they function differently and possess unique features. A sense of alienation between the general public and political elites or established institutions is usually the root cause of populism. Typically, populist leaders frequently present themselves as the common people's defenders against an elite that is dishonest or out of touch. Frequently capitalising on frustrations with promises to give the people their power back. Populism may take many different forms in politics: it can be found in left-wing movements that support economic equality or in right-wing movements …show more content…
These beliefs are often most impactful in environments of distrust and uncertainty, offering simpler explanations for complex phenomena or nuanced events. Instances where conspiracism and populism intersect are when populist movements or leaders may exploit conspiracy theories to boost their ideologies and narratives to maintain their support. (EXAMPLE) This can occur through many forms and for many reasons which I will further discuss in this essay, demonstrating and discussing that populism and conspiracism can intersect though they are separate. The political ideology and strategy known as populism is defined by its appeal to the issues and goals of common people, frequently at the expense of perceived elites or established institutions. Fundamentally, populism aims to garner support by portraying politics as a conflict between the "pure people” and the “corrupt elite” (REFERENCE). Typically, populist politicians present themselves as defenders of the ordinary people, vowing to allay their complaints and give the people back control. When there is broad discontent with the existing status-quo and social, economic, or political change, populism frequently flourishes. This disconnect and change in the public