Short Answer 
The 1950s were marked by ideological conflicts between communism and capitalism during the Cold War, significantly influenced by leaders like Stalin and Khrushchev. This era also saw a rise in populism, which challenged traditional political systems and destabilized democracies in various countries.
Step 1: Understanding Ideological Conflicts
In the 1950s, the world was largely defined by two conflicting political ideologies: communism and authoritarianism. This era, known as the Cold War, saw a significant divide between the capitalist West‚ÄöAiled by the United States‚ÄöAiand the communist East, dominated by the Soviet Union. Each of these superpowers aimed to expand their influence globally, which had profound impacts on the internal politics of various nations.
Step 2: Key Political Figures and Their Influence
Prominent leaders played a crucial role during this turbulent period. Figures such as Joseph Stalin and Nikita Khrushchev from the Soviet Union were strong advocates of communism, promoting their ideology in contrast to Western beliefs. Meanwhile, American leaders upheld capitalism and democracy, creating a stark ideological divide that led to increased tensions around the globe and a struggle over global dominance.
Step 3: Rise of Populism and Its Impact on Democracy
The 1950s also witnessed the emergence of populist leaders in nations like Venezuela and Indonesia. These leaders took advantage of public dissatisfaction with established political systems and often promoted nationalistic ideologies. This shift not only undermined traditional party structures but also posed significant challenges to the stability of democracies, leading to weakened governance and increased volatility in various regions around the world.