populism has been used to describe both a particular tradition of political thought and distinctive political movements and forms of rule. As a political tradition populism reflects the belief that the instincts and wishes of the people provide the principle legitimate guide to political action movements or parties describes as populist have therefore been characterised by their claim to support the common people in the face of "corrupt" economic or political elites. Populist politicians thus make a direct appeal to the people and claim to give expression to their deepest hopes and fears all intermediary institutions being distrusted