⚡️ What is Patriotism about ?
“In The Age of the Strongman, Gideon Rachman, an acclaimed journalist and author of Easternization, delivers a thought-provoking exploration into the rise of authoritarian leaders across the globe. With unprecedented access to key protagonists in this riveting political narrative, Rachman presents an insider’s perspective on the emergence of strongman politics, tracing its evolution from the year 2000 to the present day. From Moscow to Washington, Delhi to Beijing, the scenes rapidly shift as self-styled strongmen dominate the global stage, fueled by nationalist sentiments and disdain for dissenting voices. In this extraordinary study, Rachman dissects the motivations and methods of these powerful figures and reveals the deep-seated implications for democracy. Dive into this all-encompassing investigation, and discover the alarming commonalities that unite our local nightmares into a coherent global phenomenon.”
📖 Who should read Patriotism?
1. Politicians and policymakers: Reading this book is advisable for politicians and policymakers as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the rise of strongman leaders, their ideologies, and the implications for liberal democracy. It offers insights into the dynamics of global politics and the challenges they pose to traditional democratic systems.
2. Journalists and media professionals: Journalists and media professionals should read this book to gain an intimate perspective on the strongman phenomenon. The author, an award-winning journalist, has personally interacted with many of these leaders and reported from their countries, offering unique insights into their rise to power and their impact on societies.
3. Scholars and researchers: Scholars and researchers studying global politics, nationalism, and authoritarianism will find value in this book. It presents an in-depth analysis of the common themes and interactions among strongman leaders worldwide, shedding light on the complex dynamics shaping our geopolitical landscape.
4. Activists and advocates: Individuals involved in promoting human rights, minority rights, and democratic values can benefit from reading this book. It exposes the authoritarian tendencies of strongman leaders and highlights the challenges they pose to inclusive societies, fostering a better understanding of the work that needs to be done to protect democratic norms.
5. General readers interested in current affairs: Even for general readers with an interest in international relations and current affairs, this book offers a captivating exploration of the global rise of strongman leaders. It unravels the complexities of their personas and policies, providing a thought-provoking analysis of our present political era.
💡 What will you learn in Patriotism ?
From this book, you can learn the following:
1. The rise of strongman leaders around the world: The book provides an in-depth analysis of the emergence of authoritarian leaders in various countries, such as Russia, China, Brazil, Turkey, and the United States. It explores why these leaders have gained power and influence.
2. Nationalism and social conservatism: The book examines the common characteristics of strongman leaders, including their nationalist ideologies and conservative social values. It explains how these leaders use their stance on these issues to appeal to their constituents.
3. Cult of personality: The book sheds light on how strongman leaders cultivate a cult-like following and manipulate public perception to maintain their grip on power. It delves into the tactics they use to portray themselves as the embodiments of their nations and to suppress dissent.
4. Interaction between strongman leaders: The book analyzes the complex interactions between different strongman leaders, highlighting the alliances and conflicts that arise in the global political landscape due to their rise to power.
5. Challenges to liberal democracy: The book explores how the emergence of strongman leaders poses a significant challenge to liberal democratic values such as individual liberties, minority rights, and freedom of expression. It examines the impact of their leadership on the future of democracy.
6. Global perspective: Unlike other books that focus on individual strongman leaders, this book provides a global treatment of the phenomenon. The author draws on his extensive journalistic career and direct encounters with these leaders to offer a comprehensive understanding of the new nationalism and its implications worldwide.
