Rethinking the Tensions between Populism and Diplomacy: A Case Study of Regional Sub-State Diplomacy as Populist Image-Building Strategy in Flanders

What is it about?

We often see populism as a challenge to diplomacy. Indeed, many populists effectively reject international cooperation for their own gain. However, this article shows that populists can sometimes fully embrace certain types of diplomacy. The article demonstrates that populists sometimes argue for more "regional sub-state diplomacy", or diplomacy practiced by regions within a state (as opposed to "normal" state diplomacy). The article uses the Flemish populist party Vlaams Belang as an example: the party clearly argues for more Flemish diplomacy while criticizing Belgian state diplomacy. The party tries to present itself as special and as a defender of the Flemish people by doing so.

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