It’s been a few months since our deep dive on populism, but following the annoucement of JD Vance as Trump’s VP pick, the term is back in the headlines. Today, we’re revisiting that episode because it’s important to know what populism is and isn’t, and why a specific brand of populism is on the rise. We will be back next week with new episodes after a short summer break. Until then, keep sending us your thoughts, questions and comments at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Right-wing populist movements have been gaining popularity in democracies like Hungary, Italy, India and the United States, to name a few.

Bart Bonikowski, professor of sociology and politics at New York University, said these political movements follow a similar rhetorical recipe.

“Across a wide range of countries, there’s rapid social, economic and cultural change … and that change is creating a sense of anxiety among ethno-racial and religious majorities. And what opportunistic politicians do is take these fears and package them up and tell folks, ‘Listen, you should be afraid’ … and then they point the finger at elites and minorities and offer themselves as a solution.”

On the show today, Bonikowski breaks down what populism is, how it shows up on the left and right, why right-wing populism seems to be catching a foothold in so many countries, and the economic factors at play. Plus, why this year could be a test for global democracy.

Then, the reason you may be having trouble getting your prescription drugs lately. Plus, why China’s economic struggles are far from over.

Later, we’ll hear from our listeners about their favorite anime series. And, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question comes from listener and fan artist of the show, Audie Norman.

Here’s everything we talked about today:

• “It’s a major global election year, and populism is on the ballot” from Ipsos

• “Trump, Brexit, and the Rise of Populism: Economic Have-Nots and Cultural Backlash” from Harvard Kennedy School

• “Revealed: the rise and rise of populist rhetoric” from The Guardian

• “Populism is morphing in insidious ways” from The Atlantic

• “US 2.0: Not at the Dinner Table” from Hidden Brain Media

• “How a health-care cyberattack may affect your prescription drug access” from The Washington Post

• “Calls Mount for Government Help as Change Healthcare Hack Freezes Medical Payments” from The Wall Street Journal

• “China’s New Economic Agenda, a Lot Like the Old One: Takeaways” from The New York Times 

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