A decade after the seismic political shifts triggered by Brexit and Donald Trump’s election, populism continues to reshape political landscapes across the Western world, including Australia. These movements, initially viewed as transient disruptions, have since become entrenched, evolving in both form and influence.

The populist resurgence that emerged in 2016 capitalized on widespread economic and social dislocation in once-industrial regions of Britain and the United States. Beyond economic grievances, a profound sense of cultural decline — marked by perceived threats to national identity, tradition, and social cohesion — played a crucial role in mobilizing voters disillusioned with established political elites. This broader crisis of belonging and status challenged the legitimacy of traditional parties that appeared disconnected from the communities they once represented.

Far from fading away, populist parties have consolidated their presence. In Britain, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK and the nascent Restore Party have grown in prominence, with Reform at one point surpassing Labour and the Conservatives in national polls. The evolving nature of populism reflects shifts in communication and technology; the decay of traditional public spheres has been exacerbated by the rise of social media and advanced digital tools, including generative artificial intelligence, which now amplify political messaging and voter targeting in unprecedented ways.

In Australia, these global currents have found resonance through the increasing influence of One Nation, led by Pauline Hanson. The party channels grievances similar to those fueling populism elsewhere — a lament for a lost social order, cultural anxiety, and frustration with the major parties. Unlike past analyses that once dismissed Hanson as merely a plain-speaking figure, observers now recognize her ability to articulate a form of patriotism and cultural values that many mainstream politicians struggle to convey authentically. This connection to cultural sentiment underpins One Nation’s rising support, as seen in recent electoral performances.

Within this climate, the dominant parties face significant challenges. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s characterization of One Nation’s appeal as primarily economic signals a tacit acknowledgment of cultural issues slipping beyond the major parties’ grasp. Efforts to promote “progressive patriotism” often meet public skepticism, contrasting with Hanson’s rhetorical fluency in national identity and values.

The political dynamics in other democracies mirror this pattern. Post-Brexit Britain witnessed establishment efforts to reverse or soften the referendum outcome, creating prolonged political turmoil. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated the trajectory in both Britain and the U.S., curbing the momentum of populist leaders like Boris Johnson and Donald Trump, respectively. In the U.S., Joe Biden’s 2020 election brought a shift toward traditional governance, yet the underlying populist energy persists. Similarly, in Australia, despite setbacks for Indigenous recognition initiatives such as the voice to parliament referendum, state-level reconciliation processes continue, reflecting both progress and ongoing contestation.

Overall, the persistence and adaptation of populist movements highlight an ongoing realignment in political culture, driven not only by economic anxieties but deep-rooted concerns over identity, tradition, and representation. This multifaceted challenge is reshaping political discourse and party systems across the Western world, signaling a transformative era for democracies long accustomed to stable political orders.