Twilight of Democracy
by Anne Applebaum
Anne Applebaum’s Twilight of Democracy is a sharp, personal, and deeply informed account of the global rise of authoritarianism and the political realignments it has produced. Applebaum blends memoir with political analysis, tracing how friendships and alliances forged after the Cold War fractured as former colleagues embraced nationalism, conspiracy, and illiberal politics. Her writing is lucid and urgent, explaining not just what is happening but why people — especially intellectuals — choose to support authoritarian movements. Applebaum identifies cultural despair, opportunism, and disinformation as key drivers, drawing parallels across countries. The book is concise yet profound, offering a powerful warning about the fragility of liberal democracy. It is as much a personal reckoning as a political diagnosis.
