There are good reasons to feel disappointed with the political system. The numerous promises that democracy has failed to keep, the general tendency of economies to exacerbate inequalities, the terrifying examples of government corruption, the complacency that citizens perceive in political parties: the table is set for us to want to overthrow the established order, that balance that seems to benefit an elite and marginalize the majority. This is where populism flourishes. Now that this mass movement has become a governing force in various countries, it is important to understand its nature, its language, its ultimate goals, and the risks it entails. Nadia Urbinati explores the anti-establishment spirit of populism, its tendency to proclaim the existence of a good side in society and, by contrast, a bad side, the overwhelming prominence of its leaders, the abuse of their status as temporary majorities, and the distortion of elections and institutions that it can produce. After exploring numerous theories about this political phenomenon and analyzing specific examples, the author invites us to stop arguing and instead look at how it can transform the very roots of democracy.