Democracy in Our Time: A Discussion of Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism

Join us for a community discussion of Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism by Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Anne Applebaum. A national bestseller praised for its sharp insight, this timely work explores why democracies around the world are faltering and why many political elites are embracing authoritarianism. Drawing from her experience as a journalist and historian, Applebaum examines the rise of nationalism and the erosion of democratic norms in countries from the U.S. and U.K. to Hungary and Poland. With urgency and clarity, she reveals how authoritarian movements gain ground through loyalty networks, cultural nostalgia, and media manipulation. Both a political analysis and a personal reflection, Twilight of Democracy offers a compelling look at the fragility of democratic institutions, and what it will take to restore them. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the first-floor information desk.