The term "cult of personality" in politics refers to a situation where a political leader uses mass media and propaganda to create an idealized and heroic image of themselves, often at the expense of democratic institutions and critical discourse. This phenomenon typically involves the leader’s portrayal as a larger-than-life figure, garnering personal loyalty and devotion from followers, often overshadowing the political policies or ideologies they represent. The existence of a cult of personality can undermine accountability and foster an environment where dissent is discouraged, as seen in regimes led by figures like Stalin or Kim Jong-un.