#3520
Mentioned in 16 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 16 episodes
Mentioned by 
Anne Applebaum as books she has written, focusing on the history of the Soviet Union and communism in Eastern Europe.
Anne Applebaum as books she has written, focusing on the history of the Soviet Union and communism in Eastern Europe.
153 snips
#376 — How Democracies Fail
Mentioned by 
David Frum as Anne Applebaum 's most recent book, focusing on the intersection of autocracy and corruption.
David Frum as Anne Applebaum 's most recent book, focusing on the intersection of autocracy and corruption.
44 snips
The Most Corrupt Presidency in American History
Mentioned by 
Neal Stephenson as a book describing the author's personal experience with growing polarization.
Neal Stephenson as a book describing the author's personal experience with growing polarization.
43 snips
Neal Stephenson on The Future of the Metaverse
Mentioned by 
Jonny Dymond as a previous book by Anne Applebaum , discussed in relation to her new book, "Autocracy Inc."
Jonny Dymond as a previous book by Anne Applebaum , discussed in relation to her new book, "Autocracy Inc."
The Dictators Who Want to Run the World, with Anne Applebaum, Part One
Recommended by 
Rory Stewart to learn more about the populist nationalist style of the Law and Justice Party in Poland.
Rory Stewart to learn more about the populist nationalist style of the Law and Justice Party in Poland.
137. Government taking itself to court, avoiding war with China, and Polish protests
Mentioned by 
Jackie Forrest as a book she read, focusing on topics of democracy and authoritarianism.
Jackie Forrest as a book she read, focusing on topics of democracy and authoritarianism.
Anne Applebaum on Autocracy Inc., Trump, and US-Canada Tensions
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 
Ryan Holiday as a great writer whose new book offers a haunting and sobering look at the current political situation.
Ryan Holiday as a great writer whose new book offers a haunting and sobering look at the current political situation.
Ask Daily Stoic: Ryan and Anne Applebaum Ask How Does a Stoic Resist Tyranny?
Mentioned by 
Conor Boyle as one of the guests on the podcast, highlighting her work as a historian and author.
Conor Boyle as one of the guests on the podcast, highlighting her work as a historian and author.
After Putin: The Coup That Wasn’t
