📋 Group Discussion (GD) Analysis Guide

🌐 The Impact of Populism on Modern Democracy

🌟 Introduction to the Topic

• ⚖️ Opening Context: Populism has emerged as a defining force in global politics, challenging traditional democratic frameworks. Its appeal lies in its ability to resonate with the masses by addressing their immediate concerns, often bypassing established institutions.
• 📜 Topic Background: Originating from the Latin term “populus,” meaning people, populism has a long history but has gained prominence in the 21st century due to economic inequality, globalization, and mass communication tools. Movements like Brexit, Trump’s presidency, and leaders like Jair Bolsonaro and Narendra Modi exemplify this trend.

📊 Quick Facts and Key Statistics

• 🌍 Populist Governments: Present in over 20 countries globally, impacting major democracies such as the US, Brazil, and Hungary.
• 📈 Economic Context: 74% of populist leaders promise economic reform, with mixed outcomes (source: OECD, 2023).
• 📱 Social Media Impact: Populists are 40% more likely to use social platforms for direct communication (Pew Research, 2023).
• ⚖️ Global Inequality: Income inequality rose in 40% of democracies, a key driver of populism (World Bank, 2022).

🤝 Stakeholders and Their Roles

• 🏛️ Governments: Adopt or resist populist policies impacting economic and social stability.
• 📰 Media: Amplifies populist narratives, often contributing to polarization.
• 👥 Citizens: Voters who shape the democratic process by responding to populist rhetoric.
• 🌍 Global Organizations: Monitor populist trends affecting international relations and democratic norms.

🏆 Achievements and Challenges

✨ Achievements:

• 🌟 Increased political engagement: Engages traditionally disenfranchised groups.
• 💡 Focused attention: Brings pressing issues like inequality and corruption to the forefront.
• 📖 Simplified complex policy discussions: Makes them accessible to the public.

⚠️ Challenges:

• ⚖️ Democratic Erosion: Undermines checks and balances, as seen in Hungary under Viktor Orbán.
• ❌ Polarization: Deepens social divides, exemplified by the Capitol riots in the US.
• 🌎 Global Comparisons: While populism in Nordic countries results in balanced governance, Latin American nations face instability.

📖 Case Studies:

• 🇮🇳 India: The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) sparked widespread protests but consolidated the populist government’s support base.
• 🌳 Brazil: Bolsonaro’s policies led to Amazon deforestation but mobilized environmental activism globally.

💡 Structured Arguments for Discussion

• ✔️ Supporting Stance: “Populism revitalizes democracy by addressing grassroots concerns ignored by elites.”
• ✖️ Opposing Stance: “Populism erodes democratic institutions by prioritizing charisma over accountability.”
• ⚖️ Balanced Perspective: “While populism amplifies the public’s voice, its long-term impacts on institutional integrity remain uncertain.”

🗣️ Effective Discussion Approaches

• 🎯 Opening Approaches:
  • 📊 Use statistics highlighting populism’s rise.
  • ❓ Start with a question like, “Is populism a cure or a threat to democracy?”
• 💬 Counter-Argument Handling: Acknowledge populism’s appeal but emphasize institutional risks.

🔍 Strategic Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses

• 💪 Strengths: Increased public engagement, grassroots focus.
• ⚡ Weaknesses: Undermines rule of law, encourages polarization.
• 🌟 Opportunities: Address systemic inequalities, bridge societal divides.
• ⚠️ Threats: Risks authoritarianism, weakens international cooperation.

📚 Connecting with B-School Applications

• 📖 Real-World Applications: Analyzing populist policies for business environments or risk management.
• 🎓 Sample Interview Questions:
  • ❓ “How can populism impact global trade?”
  • ❓ “Evaluate the role of social media in modern populism.”
• 💡 Insights for B-School Students: Understanding populism’s implications helps in navigating socio-political risks in global markets.