The Rise of Populism and the Manufactured War

In recent years, there’s been a noticeable rise in populist politics across the globe — leaders and movements claiming to speak for "the people" while often using fear, division, and disinformation as tools of influence. One of the most disturbing consequences of this trend is the way it has weaponized public opinion against already marginalized communities.

What we’re witnessing isn’t some organic public shift. It’s a manufactured campaign, carefully designed and distributed by powerful actors with political and financial incentives. The sudden, sweeping surge in anti-trans rhetoric didn’t happen by accident — it was seeded, funded, and then amplified through multiple coordinated channels: Steve Bannon in a 2017 interview with The American Prospect, said this “If the left is focused on race and identity, and we go with economic nationalism, we can crush the Democrats,”.

J.K. Rowling has used their platforms to reinforce anti-trans talking points under the guise of “women’s rights.” Her words have emboldened hate groups and legitimized public suspicion of trans women. Intentional or not, the impact has been devastating: policies hardened, public attitudes worsened, and vulnerable people pushed even further to the margins.

People like Donald Trump, Nigel Farage, and Tommy Robinson have built careers by tapping into…