

#1422
Mentioned in 17 episodes
Twilight of Democracy
The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism
Book • 2020
In 'Twilight of Democracy,' Anne Applebaum explores the rise of authoritarianism and nationalism in modern democracies.
She argues that political systems with radically simple beliefs are inherently appealing, especially when they benefit loyal adherents to the exclusion of others.
The book examines how despotic leaders rely on allies, bureaucrats, and media figures to support their rule and how modern authoritarian parties offer new paths to wealth and power.
Applebaum draws on historical examples, including Stalinist central Europe and Nazi Germany, and investigates contemporary phenomena such as conspiracy theories, social media, and nostalgia.
She warns that democracies are fragile and their survival depends on daily choices made by both elites and ordinary people.
She argues that political systems with radically simple beliefs are inherently appealing, especially when they benefit loyal adherents to the exclusion of others.
The book examines how despotic leaders rely on allies, bureaucrats, and media figures to support their rule and how modern authoritarian parties offer new paths to wealth and power.
Applebaum draws on historical examples, including Stalinist central Europe and Nazi Germany, and investigates contemporary phenomena such as conspiracy theories, social media, and nostalgia.
She warns that democracies are fragile and their survival depends on daily choices made by both elites and ordinary people.
Mentioned by





























Mentioned in 17 episodes
Mentioned by 

as books she has written, focusing on the history of the Soviet Union and communism in Eastern Europe.


Anne Applebaum

165 snips
#376 — How Democracies Fail
Mentioned by 

as one of Applebaum's previous books.


Terry Gross

141 snips
How Regime Change Happens In America
Mentioned by 

when discussing 

's works.


Tim Miller


Anne Applebaum

101 snips
Anne Applebaum: Planning for a Techno-Oligarchic Regime
Mentioned by 

as her most recent book.


Sam Harris

57 snips
#274 — The Future of American Democracy
Mentioned by 

as 

's most recent book, focusing on the intersection of autocracy and corruption.


David Frum


Anne Applebaum

44 snips
The Most Corrupt Presidency in American History
Mentioned by 

as a book describing the author's personal experience with growing polarization.


Neal Stephenson

43 snips
Neal Stephenson on The Future of the Metaverse
Mentioned by 

as a book providing insights into the twilight of democracy.


William Dalrymple

37 snips
95. The History of Putin's War
Mentioned by 

as her then new book, when she visited the show four years ago.


Anne Applebaum

16 snips
The Decline of Reality-Based Politics (with Anne Applebaum)
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book about the threat of illiberal democracy.

Al Franken

11 snips
200: BEST OF: Anne Applebaum on her book Autocracy, Inc.
Mentioned by 

as a previous book by 

, discussed in relation to her new book, "Autocracy Inc."


Jonny Dymond


Anne Applebaum

The Dictators Who Want to Run the World, with Anne Applebaum, Part One
Mentioned by 

as the subject of their discussion in the podcast.


Benjamin Wittes

Lawfare Archive: Anne Applebaum on the Twilight of Democracy
Mentioned by 

as one of her essential works tracing the threads of tyranny and resistance.


Anne Applebaum

Anne Applebaum: How Democracies Fail
Recommended by 

to learn more about the populist nationalist style of the Law and Justice Party in Poland.


Rory Stewart

137. Government taking itself to court, avoiding war with China, and Polish protests
Mentioned by 

as the author of books on democracy and authoritarianism.


Kara Swisher

Ye's Parlay, Rupert's Reunion, and Guest Anne Applebaum
Mentioned by 

in the context of discussing the author's other works.


Jonny Dymond

The Dictators Who Want to Run the World, with Anne Applebaum, Part Two
Mentioned by 

as a book she read, focusing on topics of democracy and authoritarianism.


Jackie Forrest

Anne Applebaum on Autocracy Inc., Trump, and US-Canada Tensions
Mentioned by 

in relation to its themes of gloom and hope regarding democracy.


Jonny Dymond

The 12 Books of Christmas | The Dictators Who Want to Run the World, with Anne Applebaum
Mentioned by Conor Boyle as one of her books, highlighting her expertise in foreign affairs and authoritarian regimes.

A Death in Malta: Paul Caruana Galizia on the Legacy of Daphne Caruana Galizia
Mentioned by 

as a great writer whose new book offers a haunting and sobering look at the current political situation.


Ryan Holiday

Ask Daily Stoic: Ryan and Anne Applebaum Ask How Does a Stoic Resist Tyranny?
Mentioned by 

as one of the guests on the podcast, highlighting her work as a historian and author.


Conor Boyle

After Putin: The Coup That Wasn’t