Three Faces of Populism in Asia

Populism as a Multifaceted Political Practice

Shiru Wang (The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

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English

Routledge
29 September 2025

Regional studies; Politics & government

Series: Politics in Asia

Drawing on evidence from eight case studies from across three Asian subregions, this volume highlights the distinctive features of Asian populism in comparison with Western experiences. In contrast to the latter, populist practices in Asia tend to exhibit an ambiguous nature, often characterized by ad hoc and mixed ideological add-ons.

The case studies shed light on the cultural dimension of populism, an aspect that has been largely overlooked in Western contexts. Empirical evidence shows that political culture and identity politics exert an influence on populist practices in Asia. In the meantime, populist attitudes towards the role of politicians, the popular will and the relationship between the elite and the people can serve as an explanatory variable for political outcomes. The relationship between populism and democracy in Asia is observed to be more intricate than that in Western contexts. Populism is not necessarily endogenous to democracy, and thus its emergence may not solely be a response to the crisis of democracy.

The book presents a valuable resource for scholars and students of Asian politics and those looking at the phenomenon of populism through a comparative lens.

Edited by: Shiru Wang (The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong Hong Kong)
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781032508214
ISBN 10: 1032508213
Series: Politics in Asia
Pages: 214
Publication Date: 29 September 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Shiru Wang is Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Science at Hang Seng University, Hong Kong.