The Kakistocracy Paradox: A Populist's Lament The term "kakistocracy" has been used to describe American politics under President Trump. But what does it mean, and how did we arrive at this point?
The answer lies in the complex interplay between populism and democratic institutions.
James Russell Lowell's 1876 lament still resonates today: "Is ours a 'government of the people, by the people, for the people,'" or a kakistocracy rather, where knaves benefit at the cost of fools?