kymnjoro
Elder Lister
Kakistocracy is a term used to describe a government run by the worst, least qualified, or most unscrupulous citizens.
While often used as a political insult, the term can also serve as a serious critique of failing or dysfunctional governments where leadership is grossly unfit or ethically bankrupt.
- Word origin: From Greek kakistos (κάκιστος), meaning “worst,” and kratos (κράτος), meaning “rule” or “power.”
- Literal meaning: “Rule by the worst.”
- Corrupt leadership
- Incompetence at all levels
- Nepotism, cronyism, or abuse of power
- Policies that harm the general public while benefiting a select few
- "After years of mismanagement, many critics began to call the regime a kakistocracy."
- "Some argue that unchecked populism can lead to kakistocracy."
While often used as a political insult, the term can also serve as a serious critique of failing or dysfunctional governments where leadership is grossly unfit or ethically bankrupt.