Patrimonialism is a style of governing based on absolute loyalty and personal connection similar to organized crimes and street gangs. Patrimonialism doesn’t abide by the rules or laws.
Patrimonialism treats a nation like personal property. Patrimonialism doesn’t care about competence, experience, or expertise. With the installment of incompetent loyalists, family members, and friends, patrimonialism will transition into full-blown authoritarianism.
Patrimonialism is deeply corrupted. Patrimonialism doesn’t recognize conflicts of interest or code of ethics. There’s no distinction between moral and immoral, legal and illegal, formal and informal, national and personal.
Trump is the most corrupt president of the United States. Trump is patrimonialism.