Populism, Postimperialism, and the Politics of Affect in Spain. On Ocho apellidos vascos, Pablo Iglesias, Belén Esteban, Laclau, and the 15M

This article centers on the 1975–2011 period and the events of the 15M in order to redefine populism as the political organization of a heterogeneous social reality that emerges from Spain's postimperial history. The period is redefined as the Second Restoration and furthermore, the 15M and its political aftermath is not presented as a break but rather as its continuation. The article offers a new analysis of populism based on a politics of affect where the leader is central. The film Ocho apellidos vascos is studied, next to celebrities/leaders Belén Esteban and Pablo Iglesias. Finally, the article attempts an historical analysis of neoliberalism and its Spanish elite, la gente guapa.