Populism, we’re often told, threatens democracy. But, argues Benjamin Arditi, the common understanding of populism as pitting righteous masses, led by a charismatic leader, against evil elites describes most emancipatory movements since the French Revolution – some of which promoted democracy. Criticising ‘populism’ is sometimes a way of criticising democracy or mass movements without admitting that this is what you’re doing. So instead of flinging about the ‘populist’ slur, we should be more precise and honest about what exactly it is that we object to.

Populism is a word blessed with academic muscle and street cred. Everyone uses it. But let me ask you two questions. First, can you explain what it means? You will probably say that populism is a moral view of politics that divides society into two camps, pitting the good people led by a messianic leader against the evil elites who stand in the way of fulfilling the promise of popular sovereignty.