What makes the return to authoritarian, anti-democratic forms of rule so desirable for many people? What exactly drives all the voters, supporters and stalwarts of the anti-democrats? What is the significance of social media, conspiracy theories and nostalgia, what material interests come into play, how do elite bashing and promises of advancement fuel the energies of the supposedly underprivileged – and does Europe ultimately yearn for a firm hand and a strong state (again)?
Applebaum brilliantly addresses these questions in her book “Twilight of Democracy : The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism”, published in German by Siedler this year (“Die Verlockung des Autoritären”), and Martin Meyer explores the topic in conversation with the author.