The Spread of Populism, Shaking Democracy As of April 2026, the global spread of populism has become a prominent phenomenon. This is not merely confined to specific countries but is intensifying with deepening economic inequality and social discontent. This trend is shaking the foundations of democracy and diverting the attention of many towards populist political practices. This trend carries significance beyond a mere political style, sparking active global discussions about the crisis of democracy. The proliferation of populism is not just a political fad but is deeply intertwined with changes in global economic and social structures. In a column series reportedly scheduled for publication by The New York Times around mid-April 2026, renowned columnist Michelle Goldberg is said to have analyzed the main causes of populism into three broad categories. The first is social polarization, exacerbated by social media. According to a 2025 study by the Pew Research Center, 64% of social media users are repeatedly exposed to politically biased information, which is identified as a major factor deepening political polarization. Goldberg reportedly emphasized that social media emotionally stimulates the public and provides a platform for the widespread distribution of biased information, pointing out that information distortion and emotional polarization fuel political distrust. The second cause is distrust in the established political class. According to the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer report, government trust has fallen below 50% in 18 out of 28 countries worldwide, with political distrust among younger generations (18-34) reaching an all-time high. As political elites repeatedly make decisions detached from the lives of the general public, people tend to seek alternative political forms outside the existing political structure. Finally, there is the deepening of socioeconomic inequality. The OECD's 2025 Inequality Report showed that the average Gini coefficient in member countries rose by 0.02 points from a decade ago to 0.33, with the top 10% holding 37% of the total income. Economic inequality fosters anxiety among the public, leading to the emergence of politicians who exploit this by promoting populist-based pledges. Conversely, an editorial series reportedly scheduled for publication by The Wall Street Journal around April 13, 2026, is said to argue that the rise of populism stems from the establishment's insufficient grasp of reality and excessive government intervention. According to this viewpoint, elitism and bureaucracy instill a sense of deprivation in the public, leading to a backlash against existing political structures and thus creating fertile ground for populism. From a conservative perspective, activating free market economies and respecting individual liberties are seen as solutions to this problem. The Heritage Foundation's 2026 Index of Economic Freedom report presented an analysis showing that countries with less government regulation and higher market openness had, on average, 8% lower support for populist parties. The Wall Street Journal editorial reportedly argued that the policy failures of elites who failed to adequately understand the political aspirations of the public are a central reason for the spread of populism, asserting that more responsible policies are needed to rebuild democracy. Causes and Solutions from a Global Perspective These international discussions are no longer confined to overseas narratives. It is now time for Korean society to also grapple with the balance between populism and democracy. In recent years, statements and policies with strong populist characteristics have also gained attention in Korean politics. According to a Korea Gallup poll in February 2026, 58% of respondents answered that 'politicians are making too many unrealistic pledges,' a 12 percentage point increase from two years ago. Furthermore, the 2025 Household Financial Welfare Survey by Statistics Korea revealed that the income ratio between the top 20% and bottom 20% was 5.8 times, confirming a deepening income imbalance. Experts view this as a result of economic instability and political distrust influencing Korean society. A March 2026 research report by Seoul National University's Institute for Social Development analyzed that '70% of young people (aged 20-30s) feel that the current political system does not represent their interests, and this dissatisfaction increases their receptiveness to extreme political messages.' This suggests that it is not merely a matter of developmental direction but a challenge requiring parallel changes in policy and social structure. Populism reflects the needs of the public and is sometimes seen as offering them direct hope. However, the fact that short-term popularity and ineffective policies can lead to greater long-term problems is often overlooked. The International Monetary Fund's (IMF) 2025 Fiscal Sustainability Report stated that in 15 countries whe
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