Defeating the Dictators

In a time when global democracy is at its lowest point in over three decades, autocracy is on the rise, presenting an increasingly attractive alternative to many. Leaders like Viktor Orbán erode democratic foundations from within, while autocrats like Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin weaken democratic institutions from abroad, making democracies seem more fragile than ever. In the face of growing disillusionment, some believe authoritarianism could offer a better life than democracy—yet they are mistaken.

This book argues that autocracy is not the solution; a stronger, better democracy is. It emphasizes the importance of learning from each other, even from rivals, and tackling institutional decay. Only by revitalizing our own democratic practices can we stand up for democratic values and defeat the autocrats threatening the world’s future.