The national populism as a means of political struggle

The phenomenon of national populism as a means of political struggle is considered in the article. Investigates basic origins, causes the formation of national populism, the purpose and the effects of its application. Also emphasis is placed on manifestations of this kind of populism in unstable democracies. Is stressed that politicians often use the national feelings of the people not to achieve social cohesion and build a strong nation-state but to mobilize supporters in the political struggle, the aim of which is to eliminate competitors and achieve full power in spite of provokation of the interethnic conflicts.