Explore the rise of populism in ‘The Political Outsider: Indian Democracy and the Lineages of Populism’ by Srirupa Roy. Discover why ‘political outsiders’ resonate globally, from India’s Arvind Kejriwal and Narendra Modi to international figures like Trump and Bolsonaro. This insightful book, published by Navayana, delves into Indian history, revealing how the rhetoric of ‘curative democracy’ and pledges to combat corrupt elites have roots in movements originating as far back as Indira Gandhi’s Emergency. Roy meticulously traces the enduring connection between authoritarianism and democracy, explaining the normalization of populist anti-politics and strongman rule. A must-read for understanding contemporary political trends in India and beyond.