This study critically examines the works of three authors who analyze populist leadership and its associated political practices. The essay highlights a recurring issue in their analyses: the broad generalization and conflation of distinct political phenomena—such as clientelism, favoritism, corruption, and vote-buying—with the traits of populist leaders, rather than with the structural characteristics of the political systems in which these leaders operate. The authors’ emphasis on populist figures overlooks the fact that corrupt practices are also prevalent among non-populist leaders, legislators, and judicial actors within Continue reading → Continue reading →