Populism and the Crisis of Democracy in France and Japan

Populism has become a popular notion in both France and Japan to describe a new kind of demagogue who successfully participates in the competition for votes shaped by democratic structures. This strategy may combine a high degree of personalization with a simplification of the political message that seeks to mobilize the people against the elites by playing on increasing political distrust. However, rather than seeing populism as the emergence of isolated and unusual politicians, this presentation aims to consider how its rise is symptomatic of structural changes in both countries. An analysis of the 2017 elections will help us understand the differences and similarities between French and Japanese-style populism.

Profile
Xavier Mellet is an assistant professor at the School of International Liberal Studies, Waseda University. He graduated from Sciences Po Paris and gained a PhD in political science with a dissertation on populism during the election campaigns in France and Japan. His research interests include comparative studies of French and Japanese domestic politics.  

Moderator: Sophie BUHNIK (UMIFRE 19 – MFJ)
Organization: UMIFRE 19 – MFJ
Co-organization: CCI France Japon