Hating the people! An anti-populist passion: The case of the Argentinean political alliance ''Let’s Change''

Abstract

The aim of this article is to contribute to the understanding of anti-populist formationsthrough exploring the way in which they are structured. The hypothesis that guides this inquiry is that hatred is the affect that structures anti-populism. First, anti-populism is defined by contrasting it to a minimum basic definition of populism. Second, studying ? as a case study ? the latest and current antipopulist formations in Argentina (the political alliance called Cambiemos ? Let?s Change). In this regard, following the ?evidential paradigm? of Carlo Ginzburg some speech pieces of supporters, leaders and mass-media journalist linked to ?Let?s Change? are picked up. Third, drawing upon Freudian and Lacanian psychoanalytical tools within the general theoretical framework provided by Ernesto Laclau these pieces are analysed to determine how hatred is the affect which structures anti-populism. Finally, conclusions related to the political effects of anti-populism on the political and the democratic practices are delineated.