BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

Populism, World Politics and Foreign Policy in the 21st Century: An Appraisal

Author: Md. Sharif Hasan and Lam-ya Mostaque

DOI Link: https://www.doi.ogg/10.56888/BIISSj2022v43n1a1

ABSTRACT

The rise of populism in the global West is undoubtedly one of the defining features of current world politics. In a globalized world where the line between national and international has become bluffed, the impact of domestic politics can be felt on foreign policy as well. Whether it is the decision to have stricter immigration laws or to reduce financial contribution to international organizations, states' populist policies have far- reaching implications in international relations. From Brexit to the United States' withdrawal from the Paris climate change agreement, the western countries' isolationist approach to global had been happening at the same time as the rise of In this backdrop, the anicle argues that populism and world politics have a bi-directional relationship where one influences the other. To evaluate that argument, the article uses a qualitative method and examines how the rise of populism is impacting foreign policy and how populism is interacting with current world politics. It finds that global changes can cause the rise of populism. Conversely, populism has amplified the chances of drastic foreign policy actions, as leaders increasingly emphasize domestic constituencies' mindset in foreign policy. Coupled with the gradual withdrawal of major powers from world politics and increased protectionism, this signals a changing world towards more uncertain times.