The major problem with democracy is that it gives the power to the least intelligent and most gullible.
Chavs rule!
All populists have to do is rile up the stupid, ill-informed and obnoxious and they can get themselves elected.
The model is ages old. Drum up the inherent fear, xenophobia and racism of stupid people. Provide glib simplistic answers to magnified problems. Undermine those more intelligent and knowledgeable who know there are no simple answers, that solving problems like mass immigration is complex and takes time.
The internet has provided these selfish greedy narcissists with the means to lie and mislead.
So Trump and Farage:
Undermine science
Disparage all other politicians
Defund education
Undermine mainstream media
Support conspiracy
Use the internet to spread conspiracy, stir up fear, create hate and undermine all institutions.
Like Boris Johnson and Donald Trump they promise the earth, deliver nothing (indeed make things much worse – Brexit is costing us £37 billion a year – Trump’s first term added trillions to the US debt (Sociopaths don’t care!)) and walk away with massive personal gain (Johnson has made millions – Trump has made $3 billion in his first six months!).
A perfect storm: the internet and uneducated masses.