When Voters Are More Conservative Than the Elected

Understanding the Global Success of Populist Leaders

How can over 60 million Americans be willing to vote for Donald Trump—a figure widely seen as unfit to serve as President of the United States—in the upcoming November 5 election? What drives the success of populist leaders worldwide, even when history shows their governments often bring widespread hardship, undermine democratic institutions, and weaken protections for private property? In this issue of Eco, leading economists, political scientists, journalists, and public commentators share their perspectives, offering valuable comparisons between trends on both sides of the Atlantic.