GRIT Talks: Global Populism and the Future of International Politics

Around the world, people are increasingly dissatisfied with their government. Years of fast-paced globalization, rising economic inequality, and cultural anxiety have made citizens more interested in electing populist leaders who promise to overturn what they describe as a corrupt elite. If populism identifies legitimate grievances, why is it often a destabilizing force in democratic politics? This talk explores the rise of global populism, its different regional flavors, and its impact on democracy and international politics in the 21st century.

About the Speaker: Julia Morse is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara, a non-resident fellow at the Oxford Martin AI Governance Initiative, and a scholar of global governance. From Jan to July 2025, she was a visiting fellow at the Oxford Martin AI Governance Initiative and worked on projects related to AI security, safety, and governance. She received an inaugural Robert A. Belfer International Affairs Fellowship from the Council on Foreign Relations to support her time in Oxford. Dr. Morse’s research examines international organizations and global governance. She is particularly interested in the politics of information, including issues of monitoring, compliance, and market-driven enforcement.