An unavoidable product of democracy

There is one thing that all charismatic populist leaders have in common.

- MIHIR S SHARMA

There comes a time, inevitably, when they declare to their rapturous followers that the nation's problems cannot be solved except through a decision that nobody else would have the courage to take. "Experts" might advise against this course of action, whatever it might be; there might be considerable pain involved in implementing it; but the leader embodies the aspirations and courage of the nation and will bravely take the decision that appears unwise and unprecedented to lesser minds.

The hallmark of the populist has always been the willingness to risk it all in service of his personal ambition and national honour. From the first populists onwards — think of Julius Caesar crossing the Rubicon with his armies, declaring "the die is cast" in his battle against the Senate — these leaders have always considered that logic, common sense, and precedent apply only to other, weaker leaders.

It was such an impulse that led the Russian Federation into Ukraine more than three years ago; None of President Vladimir Putin's closest advisors will have suggested a full-scale invasion and annexation, but the Russian leader took the risk nonetheless. It's still not certain whether it will, in the end, pay off for him and for his country.