Gideon Rachman, a Financial Times journalist and author of The Age of the Strongman, delves into the troubling rise of global strongman leaders like Putin, Xi, and Trump. He explores the psychological dynamics driving these figures, including their need for validation and the real dangers posed by their grandiose ambitions. The conversation also touches on Tesla's vulnerability as activists target the brand due to its association with Elon Musk, revealing a deeper ideological battle in society. Rachman's insights shed light on how these trends could reshape our world.
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insights INSIGHT
The Age of the Strongman
The world is entering a new age of strongmen, with leaders like Putin and Xi Jinping changing constitutions to retain power.
Donald Trump's admiration for these autocrats raises concerns about his potential ambitions.
insights INSIGHT
Putin's Influence
Putin's rise in the late 90s marked a shift, as he was the first leader to centralize power after a period where that style seemed out of fashion.
His model, involving crushing independent institutions and attracting international admirers, has been followed by other strongmen.
insights INSIGHT
The Strongman Paradox
Many strongmen leaders exhibit a paradox: appearing powerful while also being insecure and out of touch with reality.
Lengthy time in power can lead to radicalization and an inability to step down due to accumulated crimes and enemies.
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In 'The Age of the Strongman', Gideon Rachman explores the global phenomenon of authoritarian leaders, examining how they have risen to power in diverse countries and the common tactics they use to maintain control. The book provides a comprehensive look at the challenges these leaders pose to liberal democracy and the implications for global stability.
This week: welcome to the age of the strongman
‘The world’s most exclusive club… is growing,’ writes Paul Wood in this week’s Spectator. Membership is restricted to a very select few: presidents-for-life. Putin of Russia, Xi of China, Kim of North Korea and MBS of Saudi Arabia are being joined by Erdogan of Turkey – who is currently arresting his leading domestic political opponent – and Donald Trump, who ‘openly admires such autocrats and clearly wants to be one himself’. ‘This is the age of the strongman,’ Wood declares, ‘and the world is far more dangerous because of it.’
Despite their bombast, these ‘are often troubled characters’, products of difficult childhoods. But ‘the real danger’ lies in their ‘grandiose plans’ and ‘wish to secure their place in history by redrawing the map’ whether over Ukraine, Taiwan or even Greenland. What drives them, and how worried should we be? Paul joined the podcast alongside the Financial Times journalist, and author of The Age of the Strongman, Gideon Rachman. (1:01)
Next: Tesla owners, beware!
Jonathan Miller writes in the magazine this week about the phenomenon of Tesla cars being defaced, damaged, and even set fire to. The brand’s association with its owner Elon Musk has made it an ‘accessible but indefensible’ target for activists. And, despite Musk’s role in the Trump administration, this issue isn’t confined to the US. Jonathan joined the podcast from his hamlet in the south of France to talk about how local Tesla-owners are preparing to fight back. A representative from the activist group Tesla Takedown did initially accept an invitation to join the podcast… (15:50)
And finally: are theatre matinees experiencing a revival?
Playwright Jonathan Maitland highlights the resurgent popularity of theatre matinees in the arts lead of the magazine. Matinees have a long history within theatre and now offer a greater convenience for diverse audiences in a post-pandemic age. Jonathan’s new play, Wilko: Love and Death and Rock n Roll, is a good example of this. At London’s Southwark Playhouse until the 19th April, they’ve put on extra matinee performances to cope with demand (a small number of tickets are still available).
Jonathan joined the podcast alongside Nica Burns, the theatre producer and co-owner of the Nimax Theatres group which runs six West End theatres including the Palace, the Apollo and the Garrick. (22:25)
Best of the Spectator 
