Twilight of Democracy

Synopsis

A FINANCIAL TIMES, ECONOMIST AND NEW STATESMAN BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020

'The most important non-fiction book of the year' David Hare

In the years just before and after the fall of the Berlin Wall, people from across the political spectrum in Europe and America celebrated a great achievement, felt a common purpose and, very often, forged personal friendships. Yet over the following decades the euphoria evaporated, the common purpose and centre ground gradually disappeared, extremism rose once more and eventually - as this book compellingly relates - the relationships soured too.

Anne Applebaum traces this history in an unfamiliar way, looking at the trajectories of individuals caught up in the public events of the last three decades. When politics becomes polarized, 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 pedal conspiracies, or eviscerate the media and the judiciary, do you go along with it?

Twilight of Democracy is an essay that combines the personal and the political in an original way and brings a fresh understanding to the dynamics of public life in Europe and America, both now and in the recent past.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Hollowing of Citizenship

* Summary: Argues that modern democracies are characterized by a decline in civic engagement and a disconnect between citizens and their governments.
* Example: Citizens increasingly feel like they have little influence over political decisions and are less likely to participate in elections or public affairs.

Chapter 2: The Erosion of Public Trust

* Summary: Explores the breakdown of trust in governments, political institutions, and media.
* Example: Public opinion polls show a growing number of people distrusting government and media organizations, blaming them for corruption and misinformation.

Chapter 3: The Crisis of Representation

* Summary: Argues that the representative nature of democracies is under threat due to factors such as gerrymandering, money in politics, and the rise of special interest groups.
* Example: In many countries, gerrymandering has led to electoral districts that disproportionately favor one political party, undermining the representation of others.

Chapter 4: The Limits of Pluralism

* Summary: Explores how the media landscape has become increasingly polarized, leading to a decline in civil discourse and a rise in echo chambers.
* Example: Social media algorithms tend to reinforce users' existing beliefs, limiting their exposure to opposing viewpoints.

Chapter 5: The Absence of a Moral Compass

* Summary: Argues that the decline of traditional values and the rise of individualism and consumerism have contributed to a loss of civic virtue and empathy.
* Example: The prioritization of material possessions and personal fulfillment has eroded a sense of shared community and obligation towards others.

Chapter 6: The Tyranny of the Majority

* Summary: Explores the potential for majoritarian rule to undermine minority rights and freedoms.
* Example: The rise of populist leaders and the manipulation of public sentiment can lead to policies that discriminate against marginalized groups.

Chapter 7: The Path to Renewal

* Summary: Offers prescriptions for addressing the challenges facing democracy, including promoting civic education, strengthening institutions, and fostering a sense of shared purpose.
* Example: Initiatives that encourage young people to participate in politics, increase transparency in government, and promote dialogue across political divides.

Chapter 8: The Imperative of Hope

* Summary: Concludes with a call for optimism and a belief in the resilience of democracy.
* Example: The resilience of democratic institutions and the emergence of grassroots movements that strive for greater equality and participation.