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 isanyonewho reduces all questions tousvs.them.

Why is it dangerous?Demagoguery is democracys greatest threat. It erodes rational debate, so that intelligent policymaking grinds to a halt. The idea thatwenever fall for itthat all the blame lies withthemis 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