GOVT2001 Nationalism, Populism and Democracy

In Australia and across the globe, populism and nationalism are on the rise. Increasingly, the public are turning to anti-elite and even nativist parties and movements. This topic explores the growing phenomena of populism and the rise of nationalism in Australia and in a range of other established democracies. It asks what we mean by populism and nationalism, and whether their current rise constitutes a crises for democracy. The topic examines a series of cases of populist and nationalist movements from Australia and elsewhere, to better understand the new pressures of democracy. Does left populism differ from right-wing populism? Could populism actually save democracy? The topic seeks to understand key populist and nationalist ideas, practices and institutions that are changing political systems across the world.

This topic aims to:

• Introduce students to the key ideas, concepts, and thinkers that underpin populism and nationalism
• Encourage students to critically examine a number of cases of populist parties and movements
• Enable students to understand how populism and nationalism impact upon democratic practice
• Engage in key debates in political science and international relations that underpin the study of populism, democracy and nationalism
• Explore how nationalism and populism have played out in Australian politics

1. Explain the core ideas and concepts that underpin democracy, populism and nationalism
2. Describe the practice of populism and nationalism in at least two key cases/countries
3. Critically engage with material that relates to the rise of populism and nationalism
4. Apply new skills and knowledge in academic research, effective communication, professional writing and critical thinking