"Populism as a Catalyst for Extremism: An Analysis of Its Relationship With Conspiracy Beliefs and Ideological Radicalization"

Abstract

"This article presents an empirical model examining the explanatory relationship between three constructs: populism, conspiracy beliefs, and extremist attitudes—defined as attitudes of rejection and destruction toward democratic systems, manifested through violent acts, and even terrorism. The research was conducted in an emerging economy country, using a representative sample of 400 citizens in full exercise of their civil rights. Data were analyzed using correlational analysis and a mediation model to test the influence of populist attitudes on extremist attitudes, mediated by conspiracy beliefs. Findings indicate that populist attitudes influence extremist attitudes, mediated by conspiracy beliefs. This suggests that individuals with populist attitudes are more prone to general extremism, amplified by conspiracy theories. An increase in populist attitudes may heighten inclinations toward violent extremism. Additionally, populist attitudes were found to explain both right- and left-wing radicalism, mediated by conspiracy beliefs. However, contrary to findings in Europe and the United States, populism exhibited a highly significant relationship with left-wing radicalism in this context. The study concludes that populism poses a greater risk than traditional ideologized radicalisms due to its ability to directly influence extremist attitudes, potentially translating into violent and even terrorist behaviors. This finding underscores the urgency of addressing populism as a sociopolitical phenomenon capable of exacerbating extremist dynamics in contemporary contexts. © 2025 Scandinavian Psychological Associations and John Wiley & Sons Ltd."