Is Populism an Ideology or a Tool? Of Reason or Passions?

Populism, now on the frontlines of real world politics and academic investigation, is the phenomenon put to question in this article. Two related questions are posed concerning populism: 1) Is populism an ideology or a tool (in service of any ideology)? 2) Does populism address the emotions (passion) or is it a turn to rational human endeavor (reason)? These queries are investigated by bringing to bear Simon Critchley, Nancy Fraser, and Chantal Mouffe on the intricate behavior of populist politics. It is concluded that one can distinguish between right-populism and left-populism and thereby address both questions above.