The Age of the Strongman: How the Cult of the Leader Threatens Democracy...

Since the beginning of the millennium, when Vladimir Putin took power in Russia, authoritarian leaders have come to dominate global politics. Self-styled strongmen have risen to power in Moscow, Beijing, Delhi, Brasilia, Budapest, Ankara, Riyadh and Washington.

How and why did this new style of strongman leadership arrive? How likely is it to lead to war or economic collapse? And what forces are in place not only to keep these strongmen in check but to reverse the trend?

Everywhere they go, these leaders encourage a cult of personality. They are nationalists and social conservatives, with little tolerance for minorities, dissent or the interests of foreigners. At home, they claim to stand up for ordinary people against globalist elites; abroad, they posture as the embodiments of their nations. And they are not just operating in authoritarian political systems but have begun to emerge in the heartlands of liberal democracy.

The Henry Jackson Society is delighted to invite you to a fascinating discussion with Gideon Rachman about his most recent book 'The Age of the Strongman' where he will be exploring how the cult of the leader threatens democracy around the world.

SPEAKER:

Gideon Rachman

Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator, Financial Times

Winner of the Orwell prize for Political Journalism (2016) and of the European Press Prize for Political Commentary

MODERATOR:

Isabel Sawkins

Associate Research Fellow, The Henry Jackson Society

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Please be aware that you may be filmed during the event.