The Veiled Tyranny of Italy's Silvio Berlusconi | Foreign Affairs
Berlusconi’s regime exemplifies, instead, a degeneration of democracy into the power of a demagogue who controls a corrupt electorate. Like classic demagogues, Berlusconi has displayed, since the beginning of his political career, a remarkable ability to fascinate the masses with political theater that exalts his image. At the same time, he has an impressive ability to win over the Italian public by telling them exactly what they want to hear. His speeches are skillfully crafted to exploit the electorate’s beliefs and offer a comforting and simplified vision of reality.
