Hugo Drochon Says Elites Are Inevitable

Hugo Drochon Says Elites Are Inevitable

From Democracy Paradox by Justin Kempf

April 1, 2026 · 48 min · Season 2 · Episode 15

About this episode

Hugo Drochon discusses the role of elites in democracy and the significance of populism.

I don't think populism is necessarily a challenge to democracy. I think it's part and parcel of it. Hugo Drochon Hugo Drochon joins The Democracy Paradox to explore why elites are an unavoidable part of democracy – and why that may not be a bad thing. Drawing on classical elite theory, he explains how democratic systems depend on the constant circulation of competing elites and why outsider movements, including populism, can play a vital role in keeping democracy responsive. The conversation ...

People in this episode

Host: Justin Kempf

Guest: Hugo Drochon

Topics covered

  • populism
  • democracy
  • elite theory
  • political systems
  • outsider movements

Keywords

  • elites
  • democracy
  • populism
  • political theory
  • classical elite theory

More episodes of Democracy Paradox

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Democracy Paradox podcast page.