Populists like Farage promise voters a simpler life. In fact, they produce ever more hassle and chaos | Andy Beckett

Populism promises something much more visceral, with larger-than-life leaders and dramatic national goals.

But there are also signs that the politics of simplicity, when applied by populist-influenced governments to real-world problems, actually turns into its opposite.

Even the most powerful populist government, the Trump administration, is already becoming increasingly bad-tempered attempt to micromanage a vast and widening range of US institutions.

Too many centrists are still trying to beat populism by echoing its policies and messages.

Rightwing populists are correct that many people find the modern world chaotic and frightening.

But conservative populism focuses on the struggles of straight, white, working-class men.

Until centrism or socialism or conservatism can offer a good life to more, then populism will draw crowds.