This book proposes concrete solutions to confront the populist wave and the rise of “illiberal democracy.” The author demonstrates that democracy is not a “demand side” phenomenon, but rather a “supply side” phenomenon and formulates twenty original and bold proposals to fight populism and defend liberal democracy. An original and essential book which will undoubtedly stimulate vigorous debate.

The populist wave which has submerged Europe and the United States in recent years seems unstoppable. But is it?The end of populism offers answers and proposes concrete solutions to confront the rise of “illiberal democracy.” Drawing on extensive original sources, this book refutes the populist claim that democracy is a “demand side” phenomenon, and demonstrates that it is rather a “supply side” phenomenon. Marcel H. Van Herpen argues that one can have "too much democracy” and shows how methods of direct democracy, such as popular initiatives, referendums, and open primaries, which pretend “to give the power back to the people,” have led to manipulation by populists and moneyed interests. Populist attacks on the judiciary, central banks, the media, and other independent agencies, instead of strengthening democracy, have rather undermined liberal democracy. The author formulates twenty original and bold proposals to bridge the gap between the people and the elites, fight corruption, improve political party funding, and initiate societal, educational, and macro-economic reforms to increase economic equality and alleviate the insecurity of the citizens. Elegantly written and clearly argued, this is an essential book for understanding the populist phenomenon.

Introduction Part I The populist wave: Why did it happen? 1 What is populism? Constructing an ideal type 2 A portrait of the populist voter 3 Populism and the role of disgust 4 The populist program: What do populists want? 5 Populists in power Part II Do we have too much or not enough democracy? 6 Is democracy a question of demand or supply? 7 Referendums and popular initiatives: Can one have too much democracy? 8 Open primaries: Did they “give the power back” to the people? 9 Reinforcing the independent agencies Part III Twenty proposals to defend liberal democracy: Reforming politics and education 10 Not more, but less direct democracy is needed 11 Keep populist parties out of government: A plea for a “cordon sanitaire” 12 Fight corruption, restore trust, and change party financing 13 The Sisyphean task of moralizing public life 14 Avoid the creation of political castes 15 The need for democratic education Part IV Twenty proposals to defend liberal democracy: Reforming society 16 Defend the truth in a ‘post-truth’ world 17 Fight economic inequality and introduce a Universal Basic Income 18 Enhance economic democracy 19 Toward a humane and sustainable immigration and refugee policy Conclusion Bibliography Index