In a recent interview, researcher Kaspars Zalāns discussed his dissertation at Greifswald University, focused on the political beliefs of Latvian youth and the measurement of populism. He emphasized the need to define what is meant by populism, suggesting that it can be viewed as a 'thin ideology' that can coexist with various belief systems, whereby individuals can identify as populist while also holding left or right-wing views. According to Zalāns, recognizing specific rhetorical tropes and archetypes in populist discourse is critical for studying this phenomenon.

Zalāns described the common themes found in populist rhetoric, noting that individuals often scapegoat certain groups. For right-wing populists, immigrants, minorities, and the LGBTQ community are frequently blamed, while left-wing populists tend to target the ruling coalition. Additionally, he pointed out that populist speech often involves a cult of personality, promoting the party leader as a central figure. These elements are observable in the rhetoric of prominent Latvian political figures like Rosļikova and Šlesers, as well as international examples beyond Latvia.

The discussion has significant implications for understanding how the political landscape is evolving among young people in Latvia. As Zalāns concluded, without critical thinking skills, the youth may increasingly fall prey to populist narratives, which could shape the future political climate of the country. This highlights the importance of educational initiatives aimed at fostering critical thinking in the youth, as a safeguard against manipulation by populist ideologies.