Four lessons that Italy’s experience with populism can provide for the rest of Europe

While the rise of populism in Europe is often viewed as a recent phenomenon, Italy’s experience with populist parties stretches back several decades. Giuliano Bobba draws on developments in Italy to isolate four key implications that populist parties can have for democracy. He argues that although the nature of populism might differ from party to party, populist politicians should be viewed chiefly as political entrepreneurs capable of building off several problems not adequately addressed by mainstream parties.