Populism, a political philosophy that appeals to and claims to represent the interests and notions of the average person, has a long history in the United States, arguably fueling the American Revolution and becoming part of the nation's political DNA. It propelled Andrew Jackson to the White House in 1828 and saw populist parties play a significant though unsuccessful role between the 1890s and 1930s, engaging figures like Theodore Roosevelt and Huey Long. George Wallace, founder of the populist American Independent Party, won five states in the 1968 presidential election. More recently, the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street movements emerged as grassroots uprisings from the political right and left, respectively, portraying themselves as revolts against political and corporate excesses. While several Tea Party supporters have gained elective office, the Occupy movement has not seen similar success. The grassroots anger from these movements has produced presidential candidates Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders, who, despite hailing from opposite political ends, tap into the frustration of everyday Americans feeling ignored by those in power. Trump's nationalist and nativist rhetoric, with slogans like "Make America Great Again," resonates with working-class Americans, positioning him as their champion. Sanders, meanwhile, appeals to leftists by decrying economic exploitation by big business and elites, advocating for wealth redistribution. These ideas gain traction as Americans, facing prolonged economic hardship and distrusting government, seek leaders who echo their thoughts, often falling prey to demagogues who sense and exploit the prevailing political winds. Populism extends beyond America, with authoritarian populist parties thriving in Western nations over the past thirty years, emerging from both left and right, as seen with leaders like Marine Le Pen in France, Geert Wilders in The Netherlands, Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, and Evo Morales in Bolivia. Scholars debate populism's causes, noting that economic downturns and social immobility are not definitive factors, as such movements rise in both poor and affluent, egalitarian and repressive nations. Some suggest that ongoing social changes, including shifts in sex roles, gender identity, social diversity, and religious values, drive populism, as traditionalists, feeling marginalized, seek strong leaders to restore their vision of past greatness.

Samuel P. Huntington, in his exploration of America's national identity, highlights a significant divide between nationalism and cosmopolitanism. Cosmopolitanism, derived from the Greek terms for world and city, describes individuals who view the world as their city, feeling at home everywhere. Such individuals reject parochialism, embracing tolerance, diversity, inclusiveness, and universalism. They often hold relativistic moral views, liberal political stances, and take pride in being agents of change, believing the world should transform America. Central to their identity is anti-nationalism; they prioritize their role as global citizens over national ties, dismissing national sovereignty in policymaking and viewing patriotism as outdated. Huntington describes transnationalism as a defining trait of cosmopolitans, who cross and mix national identities, embodying cultural syncretism. He categorizes cosmopolitans into three types: universalist, economic, and moralist, each reflecting this global outlook in distinct ways.

Korah and his followers promoted a message of equality and populism, but their true aim was to elevate their own positions. They claimed that the whole congregation was holy and that the Lord was among them, which was true, but they overlooked that God places people in specific roles according to His will. Their agitation for change was an assault against God and a rejection of His order, leading to their terrifying deaths. The rebellion they initiated continued to influence others, as seen when the congregation complained against Moses and Aaron the next day, resulting in a plague that killed 14,700 more people. This example remains relevant today, as some church leaders seek prominence and influence, not content with the roles God has assigned them. Such actions are considered rebellion against God's established order.