Across the world today liberal democracy is under siege while different forms of authoritarianism are on the rise. Historian and author Anne Applebaum joins Perry and Ed to discuss this alarming trend. In her most recent book, 'Twilight of Democracy,' she argues that there is an inherent appeal to political systems with radically simple beliefs, especially when they benefit the loyal to the exclusion of everyone else. Anne describes with captivating clarity how the people enabling this trend are not just ideological, but also pragmatic and opportunistic. From the politicians to journalists and public intellectuals who have abandoned democratic ideals; Applebaum reveals the patterns that link the advocates of illiberalism and maps out how they use conspiracy theory, political polarization, social media, and nostalgia to change their societies.
