FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

The democratic reflexes of the French people defeated Macron's very alluring opponent, who exploited economic difficulties and geopolitical turbulence in an effort to win votes.

Macron’s debate strategy appears to have worked, as 59 percent of voters found him more convincing than Lepen, but that does not mean that the battle has been decided.

Populism has no ideology, because all populists speak the same language. They exploit identity issues and appeal to the baser instincts of an enraged and fearful electorate.