Public Lecture: “The Age of the Strongman” with Gideon Rachman (Aspen Institute España)

Introduction

This tutorial provides an overview of Gideon Rachman's public lecture titled "The Age of the Strongman," delivered at the Aspen Institute España. The lecture discusses the rise of authoritarian leadership and its implications for democracy worldwide. This guide will highlight key points from the lecture and provide actionable insights into understanding the phenomenon of strongman leaders.

Step 1: Understand the Concept of the Strongman

• Definition: A strongman is a political leader who exercises power in an authoritarian manner, often bypassing democratic institutions and norms.
• Characteristics:
  • Centralization of power
  • Erosion of checks and balances
  • Cult of personality surrounding the leader
• Examples: Look into contemporary leaders who embody these traits, such as Vladimir Putin or Jair Bolsonaro.

Step 2: Analyze the Impacts on Democracy

• Threats to Democratic Institutions:
  • Strongmen often undermine the judiciary, media, and electoral processes.
  • This leads to a decline in public trust in democratic systems.
• Public Reception:
  • Many citizens may initially support strongman leaders for their promises of stability and national pride.
• Long-Term Consequences:
  • Prolonged authoritarianism can lead to civil unrest and a loss of civil liberties.

Step 3: Explore Global Trends

• Current Landscape:
  • The rise of strongman leaders is observed globally, with varying degrees of impact on democracy.
• Regional Focus:
  • Analyze regions experiencing a resurgence of strongman politics, such as Eastern Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia.

Step 4: Engage in Critical Discussion

• Participate in Forums: Join discussions or forums focusing on the implications of authoritarian leadership.
• Ask Questions: Consider questions such as:
  • What drives the popularity of strongman leaders?
  • How can democracies effectively respond to this trend?

Step 5: Read Further

• Recommended Reading:
  • "The Age of the Strongman" by Gideon Rachman for an in-depth understanding.
  • Other works on authoritarianism and its impacts on global politics.

Conclusion

Gideon Rachman's lecture highlights the significant challenges posed by the rise of strongman leaders to democracy around the world. By understanding the characteristics and impacts of these leaders, engaging in critical discussions, and expanding your knowledge through reading, you can better grasp the complexities of contemporary politics. Consider following the Aspen Institute España for more insights and discussions on these important topics.