Digital Populism and the Crisis of Democratic Legitimacy: Evidence from Emerging Democracies

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital technologies has transformed the landscape of political 
communication and democratic engagement in the 21st century. This study examines the rise of 
digital populism and its impact on political legitimacy, particularly in emerging democracies. 
Drawing on the theoretical framework of Max Weber and contemporary scholarship on populism, 
the paper argues that digital populism shifts legitimacy from institutional, legal-rational 
foundations toward charismatic and perception-based authority. Using a qualitative methodology 
and thematic analysis of existing literature, the study explores how social media platforms enable 
direct leader–citizen interaction, amplify emotional narratives, and weaken traditional democratic 
intermediaries. The findings suggest that while digital populism enhances political participation 
and inclusivity, it simultaneously erodes institutional trust, fosters polarization, and undermines 
democratic norms. The study concludes that without effective regulatory mechanisms and 
institutional adaptation, digital populism may lead to a sustained crisis of democratic legitimacy 
in emerging political systems.