What is the opposite of populism and how does it differ in terms of political ideology and governance?

The opposite of populism is elitism. Populism tends to prioritize the needs and desires of the general population, often advocating for direct democracy and challenging established political elites. On the other hand, elitism favors the rule of a select few individuals who are considered to be the most qualified or capable to govern. Elitism is often associated with a more traditional and hierarchical approach to governance, where decisions are made by a small group of experts or leaders.