Episode 61: Twilight of Democracy by Anne Applebaum - Deep Dive Book Review

Today, we review Anne Applebaum’s Twilight of Democracy, which examines the rise of authoritarianism in Europe and the United States through a series of vignettes detailing her observations and experiences as a witness to the changes she describes. The book argues that the decline of democracy is not simply a matter of economic deprivation but a complex product of several factors, including the rise of restorative nostalgia, the waning influence of meritocracy, the spread of conspiracy theories, and the fragmentation of discourse, especially online. Applebaum explores how these factors contribute to a climate of distrust and fear that empowers authoritarian figures and movements, demonstrating how the rise of illiberalism is not a singular phenomenon but a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and political forces that ultimately threaten democratic norms and institutions.

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