Political Culture and the Dynamics of Populist Policy-Making: A South Asian Perspective

Abstract

The resurgence of populist politics in South Asia reflects deep-seated transformations in political culture, governance, and citizen-state relations. This study explores how distinctive cultural and historical patterns of political behavior have shaped the rise and policy orientations of populist leaders in the region, focusing on cases such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The research argues that populist policymaking in South Asia is not merely an outcome of global anti-elite sentiment but is deeply rooted in local traditions of charismatic authority, patron-client networks, and religious or nationalist symbolism. By integrating theories of political culture and populism, the study identifies how leaders such as Imran Khan, Narendra Modi, and Sheikh Hasina have leveraged cultural narratives of authenticity and moral renewal to consolidate power while weakening institutional checks and balances. The paper employs a qualitative and comparative approach, relying on secondary data from journal articles, policy documents, and historical sources. Findings suggest that populist governance in South Asia thrives where participatory political culture coexists with weak institutionalization, allowing leaders to frame themselves as the moral voice of the people. However, such dynamics also constrain democratic consolidation and policy coherence. The study contributes to the broader debate on how political culture mediates the global spread of populism and offers insights into developing context-sensitive governance reforms in South Asia’s volatile democracies.

Keywords: Political Culture, Populism, South Asia, Democratic Governance, Political Leadership, Institutional Erosion