Twilight of Democracy

The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism

By: Anne Applebaum

Narrated by: Anne Applebaum

Length: 5 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • "How did our democracy go wrong? This extraordinary document ... is Applebaum's answer."—Timothy Snyder, author of On Tyranny

The Pulitzer Prize-winning historian explains, with electrifying clarity, why elites in democracies around the world are turning toward nationalism and authoritarianism.

From the United States and Britain to continental Europe and beyond, liberal democracy is under siege, while authoritarianism is on the rise. In Twilight of Democracy, Anne Applebaum, an award-winning historian of Soviet atrocities who was one of the first American journalists to raise an alarm about antidemocratic trends in the West, explains the lure of nationalism and autocracy. In this captivating essay, she contends that political systems with radically simple beliefs are inherently appealing, especially when they benefit the loyal to the exclusion of everyone else. Elegantly written and urgently argued, Twilight of Democracy is a brilliant dissection of a world-shaking shift and a stirring glimpse of the road back to democratic values.

©2020 Anne Applebaum (P)2020 Random House Audio

Essential Reading

An outstanding survey of the global drift towards authoritarian, made personal through the author’s unique history and placement within these debates, conversations, and characters. Ending without unfounded, boosting optimism, it is nonetheless hopeful that liberal society may again gain and maintain the stronger hand - if we do the work to make it so.

History gives comfort

Author is such a great resource that optimism exploded for me. Remembering there's nothing new puts a lid on fear.

Definitely worth the listen

I don’t usually leave reviews, but this book was exceptional. The author has a beautiful writing style that is easy to follow and understand, and keeps you interested through every word. I like that she also narrates the book...she has a wonderful voice and cadence to her speech.

So much of this history I was unaware of, and sadly some of it we are living. I will definitely listen to this again, as I am sure I didn’t absorb everything. And everything here is worth understanding, as it affects the whole world.

Spot on analysis!

Very clear, concise, and understandable analysis of the shift of the conservative middle to the far right. Logical hypotheses. No way to prove the actual causes, but Ms Applebaums reasoning made very much sense to me. Somewhat concerning about the future of democracy.

A must read for both right and left of the aisle

Anne Applebaum has the ability to see current events in the light of history, and enlighten us with a broader perspective than most of our current news brings.

Fearful!

I like the way all the information was presented. I got the warning about the future of democracy in United States and some European countries, but now I am more fearful about average immigrants like myself who don’t believe in gun or violence.

Great listing.

Very informative with the events moving short and tight thru history and people. Timely yet historical.

A greater enlightenment.

Anne Applebaum is a sober, intelligent, secular, and well lived chronicler of the enormous polar fork we find in our road to a greater civilization. Her experience and education give her a gravitas born of intellect. While her history and humanity give her a credibility born of caring and perspective. A dense essay that gets to the point, without wasting your time. Where she starts, and where she ends are two VERY different places. She has mapped out the path between.

Excellent

This book and reader was excellent and very educational with great detail. I hope Anne has other works like this to listen too.

Very informative

Ms Applebaum’s presentation with a vast range of progression (and decline) of democracy throughout the Europe and the West was very informative and gave an overview of the pendulum swing of extreme political dogma.