Beyond Thin Ideology: Why Thick Views Shape Populist Movements

What We Know

Populism's appeal often relies on broad ideological commitments, but its roots extend deeper into complex political ideas.

The study unpacks how 'thin' ideology (superficial commitment) differs from 'thick' ideology (substantive beliefs).

• Key Findings:
• Thin ideology explains populist surface-level appeals more effectively.
• Thick ideology better accounts for the movement's transformative potential and durability.
• Both thin and thick ideologies coexist within populist political landscapes.

Implications

Understanding this distinction helps explain why some populists succeed while others falter. The findings suggest that assessing populist movements solely on their stated platforms may overlook crucial underlying ideological dynamics.