demagogic

Demagogic is an adjective describing rhetoric, tactics, or behavior that appeals to popular desires, fears, and prejudices rather than to reasoned argument. It is associated with demagogy, a strategy used to mobilize a broad audience by promising simple solutions to complex problems.

Common features include the use of emotional language, scapegoating, and false dilemmas; reliance on charisma or rhetoric to portray the speaker as a champion of the common person; attacks on elites or institutions; and the simplification or distortion of issues to elicit an immediate, uncompromising response.

It is distinct from ordinary persuasive speech; demagogic rhetoric is often criticized for manipulating emotions, spreading misinformation, and undermining deliberative processes. Its acceptability depends on context, but the label is generally pejorative.

Etymology: from Greek demos 'people' and agein 'to lead'. The concept arises in classical Greek political discourse and has been applied to political movements that claim to speak for the masses while employing inflammatory tactics.

Impact and critique: demagoguery can polarize politics, erode trust in institutions, and destabilize democracies, though some observers argue it can reflect genuine grievances that are not addressed by traditional politics.

See also demagogy, populism, propaganda, rhetoric.