This chapter examines the evolving relationship between politics and intellectuals in Italy, particularly in the context of the crises faced by the left and the shifting dynamics of the right over recent decades. The author traces the decline of the Gramscian model within the Italian left, highlighting how leftist intellectuals became disillusioned and distanced from political engagement following the collapse of the USSR and the emergence of Silvio Berlusconi’s media-driven populism. The analysis delves into significant events, such as the 1997 Gargonza conference aimed at reconnecting politicians and intellectuals, which ultimately revealed deep fractures within the political left. The failures of left-wing leaders to effectively engage with intellectuals reinforced a narrative of elitism and out-of-touchness, allowing the right to capitalise on anti-intellectual sentiments. The chapter further contrasts Berlusconi's and Bettino Craxi's approaches to intellectuals, illustrating a trend towards utilitarianism and a superficial engagement with culture, which continued to marginalise serious intellectual discourse. This trend culminated in a populist resurgence, exemplified by the rise of the Movimento Cinque Stelle (M5S) and its alliance with figures like Matteo Salvini, whose anti-intellectual rhetoric resonated with a public eager for simplicity and authenticity. Ultimately, the chapter argues that the relationship between politics and intellectuals has devolved into personalisation, with intellectuals often relegated to supporting roles in the narratives crafted by political leaders, rather than engaging in substantive and collaborative discussions to shape public policy and culture. This evolution reflects a broader shift in Italian politics from ideological engagement to a focus on populist aesthetics and the search for emotional resonance with voters.