The current geopolitical scenario is characterized by a widespread sense of insecurity and mistrust and influenced by domestic policy decisions, various foreign policy choices, and globalization processes. In this regard, it is important to note how a populist approach to policymaking threatens the international order. The challenges people and governments face today, in a condition of increasing complexity, are strongly interrelated. Issues such as climate change, global and regional security, migration, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance require a high capacity to think in strategic terms. A wise politician should remember how all these issues directly impact the future, even if their effect on the present may need to be more evident. This is the case, for instance, of climate change and the impact of AI. It is critical to emphasize the importance of critical thinking in policymaking, as it reassures the potential for effective solutions.

This is why populism endangers international stability and, in general, the human ability to discern between priorities and secondary elements. Populism is a political approach that emphasizes the centrality of the ‘people’ in decision-making. Thus, populist politicians decide whether a measure should be undertaken based on mere electoral considerations or consensus forecasts. Once the electoral base shifts its opinion on a certain issue, its response is a trade-off to choose the option that reduces electoral costs. This attitude does not represent a form of accountability – an essential feature of a democratic system – but manifests a lack of political responsibility and institutional sensitivity.

Populist methods inherently lead to short-term strategies that are not in the citizens’ interest, especially the younger generation. The situation’s urgency demands that we overcome populism and defend democratic quality and resilience by developing an approach based on long-term strategies and critical thinking. This will be a key tool to rebuild trust among international stakeholders and make future challenges easier to predict and address.

Through their intensive research and analysis efforts, the PAM and CGS intend to work with governments and international organizations to develop and propose forward-looking and effective policies.