
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
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