Demagogues, Populists And Their Helpers: Politics of Division, Deceit and Conflict

Politicians have always been held in high esteem in every country. They are respected as those who lead, make important decisions, and who work to ensure the safety, security and prosperity of the country. Indeed, many politicians are strategic thinkers, opinion-leaders, planners, and administrator and executives in government and key institutions. They are supposed to be intelligent and compassionate and are committed to serve their community and nation with integrity, honesty and diligence. Unfortunately, that is often not what we see in many politicians. In fact, there are many politicians all over the world who are self-centred, self-deluded, and are focused on grabbing power and advancing their own interest and the interest of their own special groups. The demagogues of politicians style themselves as populists and seek to divide and deceive the people to get elected. The political hotheads incite and foment conflicts and violence to seize power. How did this terrible scenario come about? How can such a noble profession becomes so destructive? How does honour in politics degenerate into dishonour? How does the admirable idealism of politics turn into backroom underhanded deals of corrupt politicians? How do we change this toxic political culture? How do we stop school children and university students from being used as pawns?These are the important issues addressed in this book.