demagogue
/ˈdem.ə.ɡɒɡ/
Definition
A political leader who exploits prejudice, fear, and emotional appeals rather than rational argument to gain or maintain power.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'demagogos', meaning 'leader of the people', which combined 'demos' (the people) and 'agogos' (leading). Over time, the meaning shifted from a neutral term for a popular leader to its modern pejorative sense of one who manipulates public passion for self-serving ends.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe how the current digital landscape and social media incentives prioritize divisive, inflammatory rhetoric over constructive problem-solving. This shift in discourse creates a environment that favors such leaders at the expense of those trying to build stable institutions.
The Patient Is America. Here's the Prescription.
Read the full article ↗Politico