The struggle between populists and the mainstream is like a long boxing match. A year ago this Friday, the populists won the first round when the UK voted for Brexit. Donald Trump won them the second. But by then the mainstream had had a good look at populist methods. Now, led by Emmanuel Macron, it’s hitting back. Here are some techniques that work:
Sound as patriotic as they do. If populists manage to frame elections as nationalists against globalisers, you know who is going to win. Some traditional parties hand them that frame: Jeremy Corbyn, the British Labour party leader, erred by not singing the national anthem at a memorial service for the Battle of Britain. If you want to lead a country, you have to show you love it. Macron did famously once wave a European flag during the campaign, but he ended his rallies singing the Marseillaise with his hand on his heart, American-style.
Your nation has to include everyone, immigrants and natives. The mainstream needs to construct a “new we”. This can only be built on mainstream values. Talk of hard work, family and playing by the rules unites all ethnicities. Liberal values such as human rights and anti-discrimination have less appeal.