The proposed research topic investigates "post-truth populism," a phenomenon where populist ideologies intersect with post-truth rhetoric, creating significant challenges for democratic governance. Post-truth populism is characterized by the spread of misinformation, manipulation of facts, and growing skepticism toward established institutions and expert knowledge. Leaders and movements using this approach exploit public emotions, creating narratives that resonate with societal frustrations while often disregarding factual accuracy. This trend has contributed to the rise of polarized political landscapes where objective truth becomes subordinate to subjective belief, catering to ideological agendas rather than informed decision-making.

A primary area of concern within this paradigm is its impact on media and information integrity. By weaponizing misinformation and blurring the line between truth and opinion, post-truth populism undermines the credibility of traditional media and trusted sources, fostering echo chambers where conspiracy theories and alternative facts thrive. This erosion of media reliability not only influences public perception but also diminishes the role of accountability, as citizens struggle to discern credible sources from biased or fabricated information.

Another crucial aspect of this research topic is its impact on democratic principles, particularly in terms of public trust and minority rights. Populist movements often appeal to a majoritarian sentiment that sidelines the rights and needs of marginalized communities, fostering a divisive "us versus them" mentality. By framing these communities as obstacles to "the people's" goals, post-truth populism can encourage policies that marginalize certain groups or undermine human rights. Additionally, the erosion of public trust in scientific and expert opinion – particularly noticeable in debates around climate change and public health – is creating obstacles to policy-making that relies on evidence-based research. This has serious implications for tackling global challenges, as public opinion may be shaped more by persuasive misinformation than by scientifically supported facts.

This topic aims to develop a comprehensive theoretical framework to analyse post-truth populism's implications across different domains, including policy-making, societal trust, and institutional accountability. Through examining case studies in contemporary politics, it will consider how post-truth populist narratives have been deployed in critical areas, assessing their influence on political behaviour and the potential long-term consequences for democratic structures. By understanding the mechanisms of post-truth populism and its appeal, this study hopes to identify strategies to counteract its influence and foster more resilient democratic societies where truth and fact retain their central role in shaping public discourse.

The scope of this research includes examining the influence of post-truth populism on democracy, media, and societal trust over the past decade. The study will focus on:
• Media integrity and misinformation
• Public trust in scientific and expert opinion
• Implications on minority rights and inclusion
• The role of emotions in political narratives
• The effect on policy-making and accountability
• Strategies for fostering democratic resilience

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Frontiers in Political Science

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