Using international perspectives and case studies, this book discusses the relationships between community development and populism in the context of today's widespread crisis of democracy. It investigates the development, meanings and manifestations of contemporary forms of populism and explores the synergies and contradictions between the values and practices of populism and community development. Contributors examine the ways that the ascendancy of right-wing populist politics is influencing the landscapes within which community development is located and they offer new insights on how the field can understand and respond to the challenges of populism.

Sue Kenny is Emeritus Professor in the Faculty of Arts and Education at Deakin University. Jim Ife is a Professor of Social Work at Western Sydney University. Peter Westoby is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Queensland University, a Visiting Professor at the Centre for Development Support at the University of the Free State and a Director with Community Praxis Co-operative.