Caesar's policy with troublemakers was to eliminate the leaders of the opposition party, as seen in his pursuit of the Gallic resistance and taking out Count Factions and opposing parties within tribes. This approach was a mafia-like strategy and a common practice in dealing with charismatic tribal guerrilla leaders.
Classicist Michael M. Sage explains how Vercingetorix was able to organize and lead a rebellion made up of different Gallic tribes against the Romans after being exiled from his home city.
Caesar defeats the Belgae tribe and destroys their leadership, selling 53,000 people into slavery. He also conquers a neighboring tribe that was coming to the Belgae’s aid.
The term "populism" is often associated with a small band of racists, but it can also refer to socialist leaders like Lenin and Mao who ignited uprisings against the elite. The interpretation of populism varies based on one's perspective.
In this episode, the History of Rome podcast discusses how the Celtic people of southern and central Gaul turned against Caesar, realizing that his presence had changed things, and united to fight for their freedom.