Of Passionate Intensity looks at the problems faced by liberal democracies worldwide from the unique perspective of Canadian history and politics. In this timely book, Trevor Harrison examines the historical, social, and ideological forces that give rise to changing political formations, particularly populist parties and movements.

The federal election of 25 October 1993 was a watershed in Canadian political history. While the Liberal party regained power, the real election story was the near eclipse of two of Canada's traditional parties, the NDP and the Progressive Conservatives, and the rise to prominence of two neophyte parties, the Bloc Quebecois and the Reform party. Founded in 1987, the Reform party has achieved extraordinary popularity. What factors explain Reform's success? Who supports the party?

And what is likely to be its long-term political future? Harrison provides an empirical and theoretically informed response to these questions and others.

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Drawing from Canadian history, economic developments, and political and cultural contexts, Harrison incorporates a broad range of sources. He uses a historical-sociological methodology, employing surveys, interviews, newspaper accounts, and primary documents. On a theoretical level, the text uses the 'case' of the Reform party as a means of addressing the questions Why do populist parties arise? and What factors influence their ideological orientation?

Of Passionate Intensity concludes with a discussion of the nature of populist politics and the promise of popular democracy in the future.