Left-wing populism is a political ideology which combines
left-wing politics and
populist rhetoric and themes. The rhetoric often consists of anti-elitist sentiments, opposition to the system and speaking for the "common people". Usually the important themes for left-wing populists include
anti-capitalism,
social justice,
pacifism and
anti-globalization, whereas
class society ideology or
socialist theory is not as important as it is to traditional left-wing parties. The criticism of capitalism and globalization is linked to
anti-Americanism which has increased in the left populist movements as a result of unpopular US military operations, especially those in the Middle East.