My conclusion after listening to a couple of recent LSE on-line lectures:-

A POPULIST government is when politicians gain power by blaming the country's problems on others:-

Hitler - Jews, homosexuals, gypsies and 'stab in the back' communist.

Stalin - The 'bourgeoisie', Jews (again), Kulak rich peasants and all traitors to 'The Party'

Trump - The Establishment, China, any minority he can think of.

Bojo/Cummings/Farage - EU, Polish plumbers, asylum seekers.

Interestingly never the, non-tax paying, super-rich who are arguably the main cause of our current woes.

Initial finance for Populist comes from a few of the super-rich and Russian money in the case of Trump and Brexit. When they get into power they spend large amounts of 'government' money, increasing in the National Dept and further weakening the economy, (USA currently $70,000 per US citizen)

A POPULAR government is when politicians tackle the countries ACTUAL problems by producing a healthy economy and tackling inequality in wealth, education, health and life chances.

THIS IS DIFFICULT and way beyond the capabilities of populist politicians.