In discussions of world order, the conspicuous ascendance of Donald Trump has often obscured the fact that right-wing populist leaders have come to power in a number of important middle powers around the world. Figures such as Javier Milei in Argentina, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey, Viktor Orbán in Hungary, and Narendra Modi in India have reshaped aspects of their countries’ foreign policies while challenging elements of the liberal international order—sometimes in ways similar to Trumpism, sometimes in ways that contrast with it.

How have the right-wing populists in middle powers transformed their countries’ approaches to the world? What ideas and tactics do these leaders share, and where do their agendas diverge? What are the limits to this greater cooperation among populist governments, especially when these leaders privilege national sovereignty above all else?

"The Populist Turn in Middle Power Diplomacy,” a newly published series produced by Carnegie’s American Statecraft and South Asia Programs, brings leading experts together to examine these questions and draw the conclusions for the future.

To mark the release of this compendium, join Carnegie’s Christopher Chivvis as he engages in conversation with three contributing authors, Catherine Fieschi, Federico Merke, and Zsuzsanna Végh. Together, they will discuss how populism is shaping diplomacy, the opportunities and constraints these leaders face, and what their rise could mean for the future of international relations.