Spin Dictators

This book examines the evolution of authoritarian rule in the 21st century, introducing the concept of 'spin dictators' who use media manipulation, disinformation, and democratic facades to control their populations.

Unlike the fear-based dictatorships of the past, these modern autocrats, such as Vladimir Putin, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Viktor Orbán, focus on gaining popular support through subtle and covert methods.

The authors discuss how these leaders cultivate an image of competence, conceal censorship, and use democratic institutions to undermine democracy, all while engaging internationally for financial and reputational benefits.

The book also explores the differences between these spin dictators and the remaining fear dictators, as well as their interactions with democratic populists like Donald Trump.