Reviewer June Maffin:Living on an island in British Columbia, Canada, Dr. Maffin is a neophyte organic gardener, eclectic reader, ordained minister (Anglican/Episcopal priest) and creative spirituality writer/photographer with a deep zest for life. Previously, she has been grief counselor, broadcaster, teacher, journalist, television host, chaplain and spiritual director with an earned doctorate in Pastoral Care (medical ethics i.e. euthanasia focus). Presently an educator, freelance editor, blogger, and published author of three books, her most recent (Soulistry-Artistry of the Soul: Creative Ways to Nurture your Spirituality) has been published in e-book as well as paperback format and a preview can be viewed on YouTube videos. Founder of Soulistry™ she continues to lead a variety of workshops and retreats connecting spirituality with creativity and delights in a spirituality of play. You can find out more about June by clicking on her Web Site.
Author: Gideon Rachman
Publisher: Other Press: Bodley Head: imprint of Vintage part of the Penguin Random House
ISBN: 9781635422801
Author: Gideon Rachman
Publisher: Other Press: Bodley Head: imprint of Vintage part of the Penguin Random House
ISBN: 9781635422801
Any book that can motivate its reader to experience deep emotion, educate, challenge long-held beliefs, and encourage the reader to learn more about the book’s focus is a book to read
Gideon Rachman’s The
Age of the Strongman: How the Cult of the Leader Threatens Democracy
Around the World did that for me, and more.
Rachman’s approach to the quickly-emerging rise in global authoritarian leadership challenges pre-held beliefs that a Strongman style of leadership is confined to politicians in authoritarian systems and raises global concern about modern technology as a potentially dangerous tool of social control.
The author offers clues pointing to the Age of the Strongman; clearly delineates common characteristics of Strongman leaders; reminds readers of the influence of nostalgic nationalism and cultural traditionalism; draws attention to the distinction of the law as something to be obeyed and something to be used against opponents regardless of possible consequences; notes the influence of Carl Schmitt’s focus between ‘friend’ and ‘enemy’ which notes that questions in politics are not questions of right or wrong, but of obedience and subjugation.
Rachman addresses
motivations of the January 6th U.S. insurrection attempt as well as
the mental stability of the former U.S. President Donald Trump;
postulates about the possibility of a thirty-year pattern of
political leadership styles not relevant in Strongman leaders; notes
the fractured global response to COVID; acknowledges the rising deep
concern around diminishing safe ways to challenge authority; raises
serious concerns about the future.
Anyone can raise the
questions in this book, but few can do so with the political
experience, knowledge and journalistic background of this author.
Rachman brings decades of qualifications as chief foreign affairs
commentator for the Financial Times, former correspondent at The
Economist, winner of the Orwell Prize and Commentator of the Year of
the European Press Prize (aka the European Pulitzer Prize) to his
writing, and the individual chapters on today’s global Strongman
leaders from 2000 to 2021 which take the book to yet another level of
integrity.
Solidly researched, historically accurate,
the visionary author offers a glimpse into a global perspective on
the Age of the Strongman as a very present and real
danger.
Democracy is at risk.
Is anyone listening?