Demagogues are individuals who use emotional appeals, manipulation and false promises to gain power and influence over people. They exploit fear, prejudice and societal divisions to sway public opinion and consolidate support.

Demagogues often prey on people’s fears—whether of outsiders, economic collapse or societal change. By amplifying these fears, they create an “us vs. them” mentality and push for drastic action. They also offer a sense of hope by painting a vision of a utopian future, often rooted in national pride, that only they can bring about. Demagogues frequently blame specific groups for societal problems, whether it’s immigrants, a particular race, political opponents or even abstract concepts like “the elites” or “foreign influence.” This is intended to unite followers against a common enemy.

Complex issues are often reduced to oversimplified narratives where problems have clear, easy-to-understand solutions, usually by just eliminating or defeating the “enemy.” Rather than debating the issues, demagogues seek to discredit or demonize their opponents, framing them as corrupt, evil or unpatriotic. This shifts focus away from reasoned debate and on to the personal attacks.

They exploit existing divisions in society, whether it’s racial, religious or economic. By amplifying these tensions, they create a sense of crisis and claim that only they can restore order or protect the group’s interests. Demagogues often offer quick fixes to complex problems, promising radical change that seems appealing on the surface but often lacks a practical, well-thought-out plan.

They foster a cult of personality around themselves, presenting themselves as the only person capable of solving problems. Their image often becomes larger than life, and they portray themselves as the embodiment of the people’s will.

Demagogues often control or manipulate media channels, spreading misinformation and propaganda. They spread fake news or exaggerate their achievements to reinforce their narrative and suppress opposing viewpoints. Facts are frequently distorted or exaggerated to fit the narrative. They might cherry-pick data, manipulate statistics or tell outright lies, all in service of creating a more emotionally charged environment.

Many demagogues frame themselves as the saviors who will restore a nation’s “lost greatness,” often invoking a mythical version of the past. This can be especially effective in times of economic hardship or social upheaval.

Demagogues are often highly charismatic speakers who are able to command attention and sway large crowds. They use rhetoric designed to evoke powerful emotions, including passion, outrage, and empathy, rather than reasoned argument. They create a clear distinction between the “true” people (the supporters) and everyone else, including political opponents, the media or outsiders; this fosters loyalty among followers and a sense of collective identity.

Demagogues often portray themselves and their followers as victims of societal forces, the media, or powerful elites. This helps to justify their radical actions or ideas as being necessary for self-preservation or survival.

By using these tactics, demagogues can manipulate public opinion and rally support, often leading to polarization and sometimes even authoritarianism. Their success lies in creating an environment of uncertainty, fear, and division, which they then exploit for personal or political gain.