Jim DeKorne is an author whose work is associated with right-wing populism, an ideology that merges right-wing politics with populist rhetoric. This ideology often features anti-establishment sentiments and speaks for the common person, with recurring themes like neo-nationalism, social conservatism, and economic nationalism. Right-wing populism frequently aims to protect national culture, identity, and economy from perceived external threats. Some movements within this ideology have connections to authoritarianism and may draw comparisons to fascism, particularly in their opposition to immigration and globalism, and sometimes embrace protectionist policies. The concept of 'welfare chauvinism,' where welfare is extended only to a select group deemed worthy, is also associated with this ideology. Since the Great Recession, these movements have seen increased popularity in Europe.

Right-wing populism is characterized by a combination of neo-nationalism, social conservatism, and economic nationalism. Political scientists often describe it as a 'populist radical right' ideology that centers on the concept of 'the nation.' While not always explicitly nationalist, it frequently incorporates nativism, which is a xenophobic form of nationalism asserting that a nation should be composed solely of its native inhabitants, viewing outsiders and foreign ideas as threats. This nativism can be based on cultural or religious grounds, not exclusively racial ones. The ideology also includes authoritarian tendencies, favoring 'law and order' and submission to authority, alongside populism itself, which posits a division between 'the pure people' and 'the corrupt elite,' advocating for politics that express the 'general will of the people.'

A significant aspect of right-wing populism is its potential link to authoritarianism. This is sometimes described as 'authoritarian populism.' Scholars note that while populism and fascism differ ideologically, fascism has adopted populist discourse and style, and populism can devolve into exclusionary, leader-oriented politics. Some analyses suggest right-wing populism's intellectual roots can be traced to early 20th-century fascist ideologies, particularly in its tendency to concentrate power in a singular leader who embodies the 'will of the people.' This can lead to a blurring of lines between the leadership, the collective, and individuals, where individual status is derived from belonging to the nation. This ideology often rejects liberal democracy's protections for minority rights and favors ethno-nationalism over a legal concept of the nation, sometimes indicating a leaning towards fascism, though it is distinguished from outright dictatorship.

Proponents of national populism prioritize the culture and interests of their nation, aiming to represent people who feel marginalized or disdained by perceived distant and corrupt elites. This movement is seen as a reaction against mainstream politics and liberal values, though not necessarily anti-democratic. Instead, it challenges specific aspects of Western liberal democracy as it has evolved. National populists often express concerns about the 'erosion of the nation-state,' 'hyper ethnic change,' and question the effectiveness of established political systems. Their approach to democracy is often described as more 'direct' compared to the evolving, sometimes perceived as elitist, liberal democracy.