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Surviving Autocracy

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( 3,203 ratings, 527 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Surviving Autocracy by Masha Gessen is a compelling analysis of the rise of autocratic governance in America, examining the erosion of democratic norms and institutions. The author explores the psychological and societal impact of autocracy and offers insights on resisting and recovering from the challenges it presents. This book provides a critical perspective on contemporary political dynamics and inspires readers to engage in the fight for democracy.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you are interested in understanding the threats to democratic institutions, especially through the lens of recent American political history. This book may appeal to you if you seek a compelling analysis of authoritarianism with insightful observations from a respected journalist and thinker.

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Surviving Autocracy

The only book you need to read to understand the events of the past four years in Trump's America, from the prize-winning Russian-American New Yorker writer.

The only book you need to read to understand the events of the past four years in Trump's America, from the prize-winning Russian-American New Yorker writer

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In Surviving Autocracy, Masha Gessen offers a powerful and insightful analysis of America's political landscape during the Trump presidency. Through a compelling narrative that draws from her own experiences growing up in the Soviet Union and her decades-long career covering authoritarian regimes in Russia, Gessen meticulously delineates the erosion of democratic norms in the United States. She constructs a cohesive narrative that interweaves the seemingly disconnected and chaotic policy decisions of the Trump administration, providing readers with a panoramic understanding of the broader implications for liberal democracy.

This essential book looks beyond the daily barrage of news headlines to expose the underlying tactics and motivations driving the Trump administration. Gessen highlights the systematic attacks on the pillars of democracy, including the judiciary, the free press, and cultural norms, articulating how these assaults prevent the democratic system from functioning effectively. She asserts that the Trump era represents a concerted attempt to steer America towards autocracy.

Gessen’s analysis transcends mere reportage, offering a much-needed framework for interpreting and responding to the current political climate. By tracing the historical precedents from totalitarian regimes, Gessen provides context and depth, thereby enriching the reader's understanding of contemporary political dynamics. Her work underscores the urgency of developing political discourse that can counteract autocratic tendencies and restore democratic integrity.

More than just a critique, Surviving Autocracy is a manifesto for political renewal. Gessen advocates for a reinvention of political language to better articulate the threats posed by autocratic impulses. She calls for a media landscape that is more agile and honest, capable of holding power to account without succumbing to sensationalism or false equivalence. Furthermore, she envisions a moral politics that can inspire and mobilise citizens to resist authoritarianism and rebuild democratic institutions.

With keen insight and perceptive analysis, Gessen offers readers not just an explanation of what has happened, but also a blueprint for what must be done to survive and overcome this autocratic threat. Her book is both a call to action and a crucial resource for anyone looking to understand the stakes of the current political moment and the pathways to safeguarding democracy for the future.

Masha Gessen's Surviving Autocracy stands as a vital text for our times, urging vigilance and proactive engagement in defending democratic values amidst unprecedented challenges.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Surviving Autocracy by Masha Gessen is highly praised for its insightful and compelling analysis of the political climate under autocratic tendencies. Reviewers commend Gessen's clarity and depth in exploring threats to democratic institutions, appreciating the book's urgent and sobering wake-up call. Additionally, readers find Gessen's personal anecdotes and journalist expertise enhance the book's authority and authenticity.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781783786787

Publisher: Granta Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 June 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Granta Books

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 215g

Pages: 272

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About the Author

Masha Gessen is a staff writer at the New Yorker and the author of several books, among them the National Book Award-winning The Future is History and the Samuel Johnson prize-longlisted The Man Without a Face. The recipient of numerous other awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Carnegie Fellowship, Gessen lives in New York City.

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