The Age of the Strongman review – democracy muscled out?

[BidenPresident]

The Age of the Strongman provides a useful list of characteristics that strongmen share whether democratically elected or not: “The creation of a cult of personality; contempt for the rule of law; the claim to represent the real people against the elites (otherwise known as populism); and a politics driven by fear and nationalism.”

I would add a fifth characteristic: they all lie. They lie every day, about issues great and small, about matters personal and public.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2...y-gideon-rachman-review-democracy-muscled-out

 

[Nordberg]

The Age of the Strongman provides a useful list of characteristics that strongmen share whether democratically elected or not: “The creation of a cult of personality; contempt for the rule of law; the claim to represent the real people against the elites (otherwise known as populism); and a politics driven by fear and nationalism.”

I would add a fifth characteristic: they all lie. They lie every day, about issues great and small, about matters personal and public.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2...y-gideon-rachman-review-democracy-muscled-out

They are also good conmen. We have learned how well cons work on a national level.

 

[BidenPresident]

They are also good conmen. We have learned how well cons work on a national level.

Like a magician. Look over there!

 

[Lightbringer]

Democracy can lick my balls.

 

[Jack]

The Age of the Strongman provides a useful list of characteristics that strongmen share whether democratically elected or not: “The creation of a cult of personality; contempt for the rule of law; the claim to represent the real people against the elites (otherwise known as populism); and a politics driven by fear and nationalism.”

I would add a fifth characteristic: they all lie. They lie every day, about issues great and small, about matters personal and public.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2...y-gideon-rachman-review-democracy-muscled-out

I'm not sure that describes Kim Jong un of North Korea or Mohammad bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.