How Progressivism Enabled the Rise of the Populist Right

There's a comforting myth that voters are electing right-wing populists because they feel 'left behind' by the global economy and uncaring politicians. All that's needed is to redistribute some wealth, grow the economy and devolve power and all will be fine. In fact, there is little evidence to back up these assertions. In numerous surveys I have analyzed, immigration attitudes and salience, not economic circumstances or even anti-elitism, are what best explain why people vote for right-wing populists.

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