Understanding The Rise Of Right Wing Populism In The United States

Abstract

The United States, like many countries in the West today, are experiencing a wave of populism. Right wing populism, more specifically, has grabbed a hold of the United States through the rise and continued popularity of Donald Trump. Though there has been much discussion on this topic in the public sphere of discussion, I believe it pertinent that leftist critiques of subjects fascistic in manner are thoroughly discussed and leftist positions shown and normalized. This research paper will provide explanations for the rise of right wing populism as well as the methods which right wing political actors use to retain and excite their followers. This paper draws on many sources from written texts, news articles, academic journals, as well as direct quotes from videos from speeches. Using these sources I purpose what I believe are the most likely reasons that right wing populism was able to rise and sustain itself in the United States. Right wing populism has grown rapidly and has sustained its numbers because of the (1)crumbling infrastructure and livability of the United States, (2)the political, economic, and social influence of affluent right wing actors, and (3) the intentional political and social tactics employed by right wing actors such as manufacturing a culture war built on outage, successfully “othering” marginalized groups, and controlling the political dialogue through the media.