This seminar critically investigates utopia as a vital concept in political theory, tracing its historical evolution, contestation, and the claims of its obsolescence within political discourse. Frequently dismissed as an outdated or impractical framework, utopia has faced criticism for its perceived inadequacy in addressing the complexities of modern society. However, this seminar will challenge such dismissals by exploring how utopian thinking remains deeply embedded in, and relevant to, populist movements.

This course invites students to critically engage with the theoretical tensions and potential convergences between utopian thought and populism. Thus, the seminar has two main aims:

1. To explore the history of utopia from its origins in classical political theory through to its rejection as an outdated political framework.

2. To analyze and evaluate the persistence of utopian thought within populism, examining how populist movements leverage utopian consciousness and desires while recognizing the tensions that exist between utopian ideals and populist objectives.

The seminar takes a dialectical approach: after tracing the historical trajectory of utopian thought, we will reintroduce its relevance and explore its intersections with contemporary populism. Through case studies of various populist movements, we will examine the complex interplay—and often friction—between utopian narratives and populist agendas in today’s political landscape