Populism is a powerful force today, but its full scope has eluded the analytical tools of both orthodox and heterodox 'populism studies.' This book provides a valuable alternative perspective. It reconstructs in detail for the first time the compares these with contemporary approaches. Modern demagogy emerges as a key under-researched feature of populism, since populist movements, whether 'left' or 'right', are highly susceptible to 'demagogic capture'.

The book also details the culture industry's populist contradictions — including its role as an incubator of modern demagogues — from the 1920s through to today's social media and 'Trumpian psychotechnics'. Featuring a previously unpublished text by Adorno on modern demagogy as an appendix, it will be of interest to everyone concerned about the rise of demagogic populism today.