Definition:
A cult of personality is the deliberate construction of excessive public devotion to a leader through propaganda, symbolic representation, and controlled narratives.
Usage Context:
Seen in authoritarian regimes, populist movements, corporate leadership branding, and celebrity-driven political cultures.
Critical Note:
Cultivation of personal loyalty shifts focus away from institutions and accountability. By equating criticism of the leader with disloyalty, systemic failures are personalised and shielded from scrutiny.
Related Terms:
Authority Framing, Dictatorship, Legitimacy Laundering, Identity Fragmentation, Power Consolidation