This article examines the concept of populism by reevaluating its historical and theoretical dimensions, particularly through the lens of the neglected periphery. Drawing on the philosophies of Miki Kiyoshi, Tosaka Jun, and Enrique Dussel, the study critiques the conventional portrayal of populism as a regressive force, exploring its potential to serve as a transformative tool for marginalized communities. By integrating the Kyoto School’s dialectical logic with Dussel’s concept of el pueblo, the article develops a framework for asserting populist movements while resisting reification and hegemonic tendencies. It emphasizes the importance of myths as tools for fostering collective resistance and transformative praxis, advocating for a continuous process of self-negation to ensure inclusivity and prevent ideological capture. Through this cross-cultural philosophical synthesis, the article proposes a re-paradigm of populism that aligns with democratic empowerment and the decentralization of political power, creating a more equitable and pluralistic socio-political order.