Do you sigh every time you see the news? Are you tired of dealing with modern politics? Each day, we are bombarded with information that paints the world as we know it as over. But I often wonder – is it really the end of the world, or just political propaganda?
In recent years, the rise of populist leaders has pushed previous political boundaries like never before. For the last decade, we have seen people consolidate power in ways that seemed previously impossible – some even shaking off the title of career politician and still being able to gain legitimacy and political authority.
This has manifested in both the United States, as in the case of Donald Trump, and now in Japan with the first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, taking center stage. Both leaders have had sweeping success in securing support within their respective branches of government and have also taken hard anti-immigrant stances, hallmarks of past populist leaders. Political campaigns have become more about spectacle rather than hard policy. Both Trump and Takaichi have used personal attributes, whether that be a history of entrepreneurship or heavy metal drumming, to gain voters’ support.
In many ways, politics has always been a popularity contest, but populism is not just about being well-liked. In its clearest definition, populism is about divisiveness and uses charismatic leadership to appeal to “the people” as a homogenous group with a common interest. Polarization is a huge part of populism, and an “us” vs “them” ideology seeps into the minds of millions.
Populism works, at least in its infancy, because people believe that different must somehow equal better. We have seen, or at least been told, about the hollowness of previous politicians, and have spent years listening to their failed promises until our ears are drowned in overwhelming deceit. Our emotions, in conjunction with our exhaustion, are preyed upon. We want something different, something new. We are desperate for something, or someone, that bucks against the system and makes us feel alive again in the sea of boring bureaucracy and empty promises.
It makes sense why you would vote for the woman who rode motorcycles and has fashionable handbags, or for the guy who had a cameo in Home Alone 2 and uses social media to attack opponents like his personal Mean Girls-style burn book. Their presence is exhilarating, and the potential of an unknown future has us holding on to hope. We often know in the back of our minds that the conduct of populist political leaders is not quite right, but the sensationalism and adrenaline we feel watching them stir the pot of political chaos is too great to resist. So what can you do?
Ask yourself:
1.) “What are the facts?”
Look into multiple news sources, and consider who owns the media companies from which you get your information. In the United States, the monopolization of the media makes populism possible. Sources that may seem “different” often have the exact same agenda. Forty years ago, more than 50 companies controlled the flow of media in the United States. Today, there are only six.
2.) “Who benefits?”
Who and what do people gain from you absorbing and believing this information? Monetary gain from clicks & views? Manufactured consent for wars? Knowing who owns and controls the media you consume often reveals underlying motives.
3.) “What is this trying to make me feel?”
We all fall victim to manipulation. Rage-bait is a booming business, and it often feels really good to feel really bad. It’s important to try to center yourself when consuming upsetting information. There will never be a shortage of devastating headlines, and it can be very easy to slip into doom & gloom. Our attention is our greatest currency, so be discerning about consuming media that profits off of pain. Do not allow pessimism to win.
4.) “How can I think critically?”
Make an effort to form your own thoughts. Try to go beyond regurgitating information. Resisting political propaganda and populism requires each of us to have strong critical thinking skills – so listen to podcasts, and watch the TikToks, but don’t lose yourself and your own mind in the process.
The next best thing you can do is get active. In November of 2026, the United States will hold its mid-term elections, meaning all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate will be up for grabs. While some of the Senate primaries will have already passed by the time you read this article (specifically Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas), registering to vote if you live abroad is still incredibly important. The same people who profit off of war, deny your parents’ medical insurance coverage, and refuse to prosecute predators in the Epstein files will play high-stakes musical chairs again this fall.
You decide whether they keep their power or not – and it is your job to weed through the lies that have allowed the circus of populist politics to create the chaos that exists in the world today. Remember, propaganda only works when people are passive. A better future is possible with your active participation.
For more information regarding registering to vote from abroad, please visit:
https://students.votefromabroad.org/
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