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Twilight of Democracy
- The Failure of Politics and the Parting of Friends
- Narrated by: Anne Applebaum
- Length: 5 hrs and 15 mins
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Twilight of Democracy
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Summary
Brought to you by Penguin.
In the years just before and after the fall of the Berlin Wall, conservative politicians and intellectuals across Europe and America celebrated a great achievement, felt a common purpose and, very often, forged personal friendships. The euphoria quickly evaporated, the common purpose and centre ground gradually disappeared and eventually - as this audiobook compellingly relates - the relationships soured too.
Anne Applebaum traces a familiar history in an unfamiliar way, looking at the trajectories of individuals caught up in the public events of the last three decades. When politics become polarised, which side do you back? If you are a journalist, an intellectual, a civic leader, how do you deal with the re-emergence of authoritarian or nationalist ideas in your country? When your leaders appropriate history, or peddle conspiracies, or eviscerate the media and the judiciary, do you go along with it?
Twilight of Democracy is a new kind of political writing, an essay that mixes the personal and the political and brings a fresh understanding to the dynamics of public life in Europe and America, both now and in the past.
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What listeners say about Twilight of Democracy
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- D. Burgess
- 13-10-20
History Distilled to Save Our Time
Few people have the historical understanding, East and West, to distill events and shine a light on the changes that we should really be worrying about, the changes that can end life as we know it. Essential reading for anyone who cares about where we, humanity, is headed.
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- MICHAEL W.
- 08-08-20
Clear, heart-felt and incisive observations
A great book - a personal, well-written, up-close analysis of the shift to populism and the extreme right (throughout Europe and beyond). Well observed and full of interesting details that highlight political and personal transformations of formerly optimistic and politically balanced individuals. How many more will mirror these transformations in future, both in Europe and beyond? From rational progressives & centrists to the illiberal extremes (both left and right) - and what will that society will look like, it's a worrying question that will linger long after reading this book.
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- Leona Merclova
- 13-04-22
Cannot recommend enough
Very well written and read. It's pertinent, concise and personal, which is incredibly helpful. I've read quite a few books on this topic but this one resonated with me the most because it reads like a story. Anne has met and knows quite well most of the people she writes about . This gives her a unique perspective in mapping the changes many of them have undergone politically and personally.
I didn't find it too depressing, her dispassionate analysis and historical perspective actually comforted me.
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- Red
- 27-09-20
Essential listen in uncertain times
An essential listen in uncertain times. Anne Applebaum's journey and observations gives us an impelling overview of decades of liberal gaines and losses. Great story and well read. A must read!
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- Paul D.
- 27-02-21
I don’t usually comment but....
This book is worthy of your time. It gives a clear insight to some of the issues that should concern us all. Although I wouldn’t describe myself as somebody with right leaning political opinions, I found my self nodding along with many of the issues the author raises.
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- Emanuele
- 26-08-22
Important book, full of very good points and ideas
I found this short book to be dense, rich and inspiring. Concepts are expressed clearly, often with relevant and varied sources. I felt the psychology of the people involved is traced in a convincing manner, and the dynamics described feel consistent. Definitely recommended.
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- mike reilly
- 10-04-24
To understand better the challenges we face today all we need do is take a little time to examine histot history
nothing it was excellent well written and well read by the author. I'd welcome a follow-up that looks at where we are today
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- Nick Drew
- 22-02-21
Vital listening for our times
This is a real tour de force which demands to be heard, examining the recent (and not-so-recent) history of authoritarianism, why it is alluring, and how we can combat it. Compellingly read by the author.
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- Aldebaran
- 03-02-21
A must read for keeping you grounded.
excelent read or listen if you get the audiobook. Anne Applebaum is brilliant as usual not only putting her own view across, but challenging the reader to form his/her own opinion.
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- luke
- 02-02-21
Heartfelt and thoughtful
I very much recommend, if you are from the Left or the Right, you will get a lot from this.
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