A Pandemic of Populists

'A renowned expert in constitutionalism, Wojciech Sadurski offers a sophisticated analysis of populism as it pertains to the current situation, particularly in Poland and Hungary, but also in India, the Philippines, Brazil and Venezuela. This innovative analysis of the relationship of populists in power to courts is complemented by equally original discussion of populism in the time of COVID, and of the antidotes that might work against populists in and out of power. The book is excellent and should be read by everyone interested in the topic.' Jean L. Cohen, Columbia University 'In this thoroughly researched and powerfully argued book, prominent constitutional scholar Wojciech Sadurski reveals and exploits the flaws of populist governance. His central argument is that it is populists in power, rather than liberal democracies or classical authoritarian regimes such as China and Vietnam, that were least successful in dealing with the pandemic. But he is also cautious to warn us that populists' failure does not necessary lead to the electoral defeat of populist regimes.' Ivan Krastev, the author of Is It Tomorrow Yet? (2020) 'Wojciech Sadurski is one of the world's leading constitutional theorists; not for nothing has he been subject to the wrath of right-wing populists in his native Poland. With this masterful volume, he brings together a sophisticated analysis of what populists in power do to institutions with personal stories as well as new ideas how to defeat populists.' Jan-Werner Mueller, Princeton University