Demagoguery and Democracy

A clear-eyed guide to demagogueryand how we can defeat it What is demagoguery? Some demagogues are easy to spot: They rise to power through pandering, charisma, and prejudice. But, as professor Patricia Roberts-Miller explains, a demagogue is anyone who reduces all questions to us vs. them. Why is it dangerous? Demagoguery is democracys greatest threat. It erodes rational debate, so that intelligent policymaking grinds to a halt. The idea that we never fall for itthat all the blame lies with themis equally dangerous. How can we stop it? Demagogues follow predictable patterns in what they say and do to gain power. The key to resisting demagoguery is to name it when you see itand to know where it leads.