In recent years, as populism has become increasingly active and developed in European and American countries, analyzing the origins of its rise has once again become a central topic in political science. In fact, populism is rooted in the tension between democracy（with popular sovereignty） and constitutionalism. It embodies the deep-seated paradoxes and structural transformation challenges within Western democracy,encapsulating a crisis of representation under the “principal-agent” framework,and serving as a warning signal for the regression of traditional Westerndemocracy. However, much of the existing research is limited by idealist views and metaphysical methodologies. It fails to identify the root causes of populism, analyze its ties to capitalist logic and political systems, or explore its future trends and solutions. By analyzing Western studies on the political origins of populism, we can better understand its essence, uncover the contradictions of Western democratic politics, and deepen research in Western political philosophy. This also helps to improve our understanding of the realities of Western democracy.

　　Editor: Zhong Yao  Deng Panyi

　　From: Journal of Shaanxi Normal University(Philosophy and Social Sciences Edition).2025.No.2.