Populism has emerged as a transformative force in contemporary politics, particularly in emerging democracies where political institutions are still evolving. This study examines the complex relationship between populism and democratic stability, focusing on how populist movements can either energize democratic participation or contribute to democratic backsliding. While populist leaders often claim to represent the "will of the people" against elite corruption, their governance can erode democratic norms by weakening institutional checks and balances, restricting civil liberties, and fostering political polarization. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this research combines cross-national quantitative analysis with qualitative case studies from regions such as Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. The quantitative analysis involves regression techniques and time-series cross-sectional data sourced from the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute and the Global Populism Database, evaluating the effects of populist leadership on democratic institutions. The qualitative analysis delves deeper into the specific ways that populist rhetoric, policy shifts, and institutional manipulation influence democratic trajectories across these diverse regional contexts. The findings reveal a significant correlation between the ascendancy of populist movements and the degradation of democratic institutions, especially in nascent democracies that suffer from fragile governance frameworks. Populist governments frequently centralize executive power, suppress media freedoms, and leverage nationalist discourses to solidify their rule. However, the study also uncovers instances where populism has stimulated political involvement and disrupted the hegemony of entrenched elites, showcasing the ambivalent impact of populism on democracy. By integrating insights into both the internal political dynamics and external economic pressures, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of the role populism plays in both the consolidation and regression of democracy. The results provide critical implications for both policymakers and academics in their efforts to fortify democratic resilience amid increasing populist currents. Further research should investigate the potential roles of civil society and international organizations in tempering the detrimental effects of populism while promoting its capacity to foster meaningful political participation. learn more on SSRN