A Logic of Populism

By Srikrishna Ayyangar

What makes populism both a threat and a corrective to democracy in India, setting it apart from other contexts? A Logic of Populism explores this question using a novel set-theoretic methodology and a comprehensive study of populist leaders across Indian states. It defines populists as those who draw boundaries dividing people, while democratic institutions shape these divisions' political significance. Populists create fractures, yet democratic engagement channels these conflicts toward the common good. This book is essential for those seeking to understand Indian democracy and populism's role in political modernization beyond Western perspectives. It is particularly valuable for researchers in qualitative methodologies and theory-building in the Social Sciences. By conceptualizing populism as a defining force in contemporary public affairs, the book offers crucial insights into democracy's evolving landscape in India, making it a significant contribution to political studies and governance discourse.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1009605429
• ISBN13: 9781009605427
• Release Date: July 2025
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"