Populism and Australian business: Why it matters now

Merriden Varrall and Jon Berry outline how global populism is reshaping trade and highlight strategies for Australian businesses to stay resilient amid change.

What is populism? Populism is a political approach where leaders position themselves as champions of "the people" against an "elite" or an "other". It's not tied to left or right ideology but is defined by its anti-establishment stance and appeal to national sovereignty and cultural identity. Populist governments often adopt protectionist policies, challenge international norms, and weaken multilateral cooperation—creating ripple effects for trade, investment, and global operations. ...

Sign in below or register now to read the full article

Authors: Merriden Varrall, Jon Berry

Published Date: 05 September 2025