In recent years, populism has mostly been attributed a negative connotation, referring to the right-wing antidemocratic movement, pitted against immigrants and other social categories, which are regarded as a threat to the identity and prosperity of the nation. This thesis addresses populism from the perspective of Laclau and Mouffe’s discourse theory as a political logic and discursive strategy of constructing a political frontier dividing society into »people« against »those in power«. Such political logic assumes various ideological positions and can also be directed towards progressive socio-political goals. With a thorough analysis of the key concepts of Laclau and Mouffe’s discourse theory the thesis explores how discourse and logic of the so-called left populism can help deepen and consolidate democracy in terms of freedom and social equality for all by mobilizing collective affects such as passion and hope. The main focus is on the role and potential of new social movements, which since the 1960s have called into question new forms of subordination and advocated diverse social emancipations. The master’s thesis indicates the central importance of environmental struggle and the struggle for climate justice in the political strategy of left populism, which offers people hope for the better future.
|
