Kakocracy

Kakokracy (also spelled cacocracy) refers to the rule of, or government by, the worst of the people. It therefore contrasts markedly in nominal meaning from aristocracy, or rule by those considered superior to other classes. The term is used as an image rather than an official description given its pejorative connotation, and is very subjective. Kakocracy can also take to mean the rule or power of evil.

Etymology

The word is dervied from the ancient Greek kakos (κακος), meaning "bad" and "evil" (as in cacophony ), and kratos (κρατος), meaning power.

Political relevance

Support for the kakocracy can be a form of "worst politics". For right-wing or left-wing extremists, bringing the worst candidates to power can be a means of provoking a revolutionary backlash to overturn a political system. For example, in France, during the revolutionary period, some Muscadins, Hebertists and other "exaggerated" people, such as Berthold Proly , were suspected and even accused of wanting the worst possible government to promote the restoration of the monarchy.