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Articles | Emerging Perspective in Social and Politics | Volume 1 - Issue 1 - 2026 | 46−56 |
© 2026 by the author(s), and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License

Populist Leadership and Political Polarization in Developing Regions: Examining Drivers, Public Perception, and Implications for Democratic Stability

Author(s): Rizky Pratama Santoso 1 , Mekdes Alemayehu Tadesse 2 , Samuel N. Kairi 3
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1 Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Haluuleo, Kendari, Indonesia
2 Department of Governance and Development Studies, Addis Continental University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
3 School of Social Sciences and Development Studies, Papua New Guinea Pacific State University, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

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Emerging Perspective in Social and Politics

Volume 1 - Issue 1 - 2026

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The rise of populist leadership has become an increasingly prominent phenomenon in many developing regions, raising important questions regarding its implications for democratic governance and political stability. This study investigates the structural drivers of populist leadership, public perceptions of populist narratives, and the relationship between populism and political polarization in developing democracies. Using a mixed-method research design, the study combines quantitative analysis of secondary governance data with qualitative examination of political discourse and public opinion. Data were obtained from international governance indicators, public opinion surveys, policy documents, and political communication materials related to populist movements. The findings indicate that economic inequality, declining public trust in political institutions, and the rapid expansion of digital political communication significantly contribute to the rise of populist leadership. Public perception toward populist leaders is highly divided, with supporters viewing them as representatives of marginalized citizens and critics perceiving them as polarizing figures who challenge democratic norms. The study also finds that political polarization intensified through populist narratives can create both opportunities and risks for democratic governance. While populist movements may encourage political participation and highlight socio-economic grievances, excessive polarization can undermine institutional cooperation and democratic stability. Strengthening governance transparency and inclusive political institutions is essential to mitigate these risks.

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SUBMITTED: 11 March 2026
ACCEPTED: 12 April 2026
PUBLISHED: 13 April 2026
SUBMITTED to ACCEPTED: 33 days

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