This article on the history of the populist movement in the US (http://theweek.com/articles/579018/brief-history-populism) explains why I have issues with populism. And don't think it works without serious and often disastrous consequences.

And also the Arab Spring which lead to Isis, the Tea Party, the Nazi Party, Peronism...all had elements of populism.

See here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Populism

It tends to be irrational, with decisions based on pain, fear, and distrust.