Political Leadership in Contemporary Democracies: Current Configurations and Mutations

The field of political leadership in contemporary democracies is undergoing significant transformations, driven by the evolving nature of leadership roles and the rising influence of populism. Current research highlights the complexities and challenges faced by political leaders in navigating diverse political landscapes. Despite the wealth of theoretical frameworks available, there is a notable scarcity of empirical studies that go beyond biographical narratives, leaving a gap in understanding the practical dimensions of political leadership. Recent studies have begun to explore the intricate relationship between populism and political leadership, offering diverse theoretical approaches to this burgeoning concept. However, there remains a need for a more comprehensive investigation into the personal attributes, performance, and communication strategies of political leaders, particularly in the context of populism. Addressing these gaps is crucial for advancing our understanding of political leadership in contemporary democracies and its implications for governance and policy-making.

This research topic aims to explore the multifaceted dynamics of political leadership within contemporary democracies, with a particular focus on the influence of populism. The primary objectives include examining the theoretical foundations of political leadership, analyzing the personal attributes of leaders through a populist lens, and evaluating the performance and communication strategies of both populist and non-populist leaders. By addressing these objectives, the research seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding political leadership and contribute to the ongoing discourse on this dynamic phenomenon.

To gather further insights into the evolving nature of political leadership in contemporary democracies, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Personal attributes and characteristics of populist leaders.
• Communication strategies and their impact on leadership dynamics.
• Reflections on the current configurations and mutations in political leadership.
• Reimagining theoretical frameworks of political leadership in evolving democracies, integrating populism and governance studies.
• Varieties of populism: ethnopopulism, eco-populism, techno-populism, and their impacts on political competition.
• The intersection of populism with nationalism, religion, and identity politics, and its implications for governance and societal cohesion.
• Understanding the dual nature of populism as both a challenge to and a force for democratic renewal in different institutional contexts.
• Visual and performative dimensions of leadership, exploring the use of symbolism, aesthetics, and curated public personas in political discourse.

Keywords: political leadership, contemporary democracies, populism, theoretical frameworks, empirical analyses

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.