So what makes these leaders tick? Does the psychology of populist leaders differ from that of others? Politicians, perhaps especially of the populist stripe, can mobilize and mute such sentiments — in effect, shaping national preferences. This major shift in U.S. policy may be less a rational strategic response to the situation than an emotional one. Populist leaders are impatient.

Source: Washington Post June 11, 2017 18:23 UTC