Populism and The Prospects of Clash of Civilization in Contemporary Global Politics: An Analysis

Abstract

This paper is set to critically examine the extent to which the existence of populism accentuates the prospect of clash of civilization. To achieve this, the paper employed content analysis to x~ ray the interplay between populist movements and civilizational narratives and how this interplay accentuates the prospect of clash of civilization. The paver found that Populism, with its divisive rhetoric and emphasis on identity politics, has emerged as a significant force in shaping contemporary global dynamics and has accentuates he prospects of a Clash of Civilizations as theorized by Samuel P. Huntington. The paper revealed how populist leaders exploit cultural and religious identities to frame conflicts as inherent and irreconcilable. The use of "us versus them" rhetoric exacerbates civilizational divides, fuelling tensions on issues such as migration, globalization, and national sovereignty. The paper concludes that the existence of populism serves as both a reflection of and a catalyst for the tens Ions predicted by the Clash of Civilizations thesis. It amplifies civilizational divides by fostering exclusionary identities and antagonistic rhetoric, heightening the risk of cultural and geo-political conflicts. To counter these dynamics, the paper recommended among others that governments and leaders should prioritize inclusive governance that addresses the concerns of diverse groups within their societies. The findings underscore the urgent need for addressing populist grievances and fostering mutual understanding to prevent the entrenchment of cultural divides end ensure a more stable and cooperative international order.