How the Cult of the Leader Threatens Democracy Around the World

By Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt

In their new book, How the Cult of the Leader Threatens Democracy Around the World, Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt argue that the rise of authoritarian leaders is a threat to democracy. They identify ten warning signs of authoritarianism, and they show how these signs have been present in the recent rise of leaders such as Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping.

Levitsky and Ziblatt define authoritarianism as a system of government in which one person or a small group of people holds all the power. Authoritarian leaders typically use fear and intimidation to control their people, and they often suppress dissent and limit freedom of speech and assembly.

The Age of the Strongman: How the Cult of the Leader Threatens Democracy Around the World

by Gideon Rachman

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1958 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The authors argue that the rise of authoritarianism is a global phenomenon. They point to the fact that the number of authoritarian regimes has increased in recent years, and they warn that this trend could continue if we do not take action to stop it.

Levitsky and Ziblatt identify ten warning signs of authoritarianism. These signs include:

1. A leader who disrespects democratic institutions
2. A leader who tolerates or encourages violence
3. A leader who attacks the media
4. A leader who undermines the rule of law
5. A leader who restricts freedom of speech
6. A leader who limits freedom of assembly
7. A leader who persecutes political opponents
8. A leader who gerrymanders electoral districts
9. A leader who uses propaganda to control the narrative
10. A leader who builds up a cult of personality

Levitsky and Ziblatt argue that these warning signs are present in the recent rise of leaders such as Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping. They warn that these leaders are a threat to democracy, and they urge us to take action to stop them.

How the Cult of the Leader Threatens Democracy Around the World is a timely and important book. It provides a clear and concise analysis of the threat that authoritarianism poses to democracy. The authors offer a compelling case for why we must defend democracy against this threat.

Praise for How the Cult of the Leader Threatens Democracy Around the World

"A brilliant and timely analysis of the global rise of authoritarianism. Levitsky and Ziblatt show how the cult of the leader is a threat to democracy everywhere."—Anne Applebaum, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Gulag: A History

"A must-read for anyone who cares about the future of democracy. Levitsky and Ziblatt provide a chilling account of how authoritarian leaders are using fear and intimidation to control their people."—David Frum, senior editor at The Atlantic

"A powerful and persuasive argument that the cult of the leader is a threat to democracy. Levitsky and Ziblatt offer a clear and concise analysis of the warning signs of authoritarianism, and they show how these signs are present in the recent rise of leaders such as Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping."—Fareed Zakaria, CNN host and author of The Post-American World

About the Authors

Steven Levitsky is a professor of government at Harvard University. He is the co-author of the book The Third Wave: Democratization in the Late Twentieth Century.

Daniel Ziblatt is a professor of government at Harvard University. He is the author of the book Conservative Parties and the Birth of Democracy.

Levitsky and Ziblatt are leading experts on authoritarianism. Their work has been widely praised by scholars and policymakers alike.

Free Download Your Copy Today

How the Cult of the Leader Threatens Democracy Around the World is available now at all major bookstores. Free Download your copy today and learn how you can help defend democracy against the threat of authoritarianism.

The Age of the Strongman: How the Cult of the Leader Threatens Democracy Around the World

by Gideon Rachman

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1958 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE