ABSTRACT
The term “ideology” implies a coherent and interlinked set of ideas, beliefs and values leading to a plan of action. It is the systematic use of ideas and values to mobilize people, or to gain their support, for some goal or end. Ideologies reflect the beliefs, values and interests of those elites – usually state leaders – who produce or adopt them. The ability of elites to gain the consent of the people by defining and molding an ideology that is accepted by the masses is a powerful political tool that can serve to legitimize the political system and the leaders.
