Comment by tarkin2

> We all know that we're teetering on the brink of a populist wave, but no-one in a position of power seems willing or able to do anything about it.

This, I believe, is because the problem is psychological more than political: social division and alienation.

Of course, an increase in economic prosperity will lessen populism.

But if people continue to be alienated then they will be drawn to populists offering collective causes against perceived wrongdoers.

The large majority of online activities increase social alienation and social division.

Local, apolitical activities that breed cohension rather than division will decrease the psychological benefits that populism offers the alienated. I see no other solution.