In recent years, the rise of populist movements and leaders across the globe has sparked intense debate about the nature of democracy and its resilience in the face of populist challenges. This course will explore the intricate and often contentious relationship between populism and democracy, examining how these two political phenomena interact, conflict and, sometimes, reinforce each other. The two case studies are Israel and the United States. The course will combine lecture, Q&A and, as time permits, an exchange of (diverging) views among participants.