interesting, but sensible essay on the alt right

An interesting listen for anyone worried (or just curious) about the current state of politics and extreme polarisation. Also for anyone interested in UK, American and European politics, as she covers all three with fairly equally. As an Aussie with ties to all three regions I appreciated the scope of the book and the fact that it wasn't just about the USA. The author is on the right (centre right) which she makes no secret of but as someone who considers themself on the left (although maybe centre left after listening to this) I did not find this book partisan or overly ideological. It is heavily critical of the current Republican Party (though quite pro-Regan) and fairly critical of the Toris (though again quite pro-Thatcher, which I am not). The best part and most interesting aspect of the book was the way the author interwove the political and the personal and used her own experiences as a touchstone for her more esoteric arguments. I thought that this made less "dry" than other similar books. Narrated by the author who does a good job.

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unparalleled

An amazing intersection of contemporary political analysis, history, and personal relationships. Perfect book for our global moment.

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Thought provoking

The author is an excellent narrator of her own work. Very well written, the book makes for much thought and discussion

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Succinct and efficient enlightenment on the hazardous direction of the world as we know it.

A cautionary note on where we are headed and how we are following in footsteps well trodden when civilisation stops questioning leadership and places fear before strength, resilience and the thirst for knowledge and counter argument.

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Sobering audit of our predicament

Anne Applebaum is one of those few people who see through the propaganda infested deluge of news, and are able to place events in a proper historical context.
So, I was keen to read this, especially as it is narrated by herself.
Anne takes us on a journey of almost nostalgia, back to recent times but ones that seem more distant than they are because of the political shifts towards polarisation seemingly experienced everywhere. This included, for me, some surprising stops, like Spain.
Sobering but not gloomy. Anne reminds us that democracy isn't a given. It always was, and should be, a struggle that is worth fighting for.

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Wow what an insight

He who uses the latest technology of the day will create the politics of tomorrow.

Scary!

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Author has a huge blind spot

The author provides a reasonable analysis of some of the causes for the rise of authoritarianism. However, the substantial gap in her analysis arises from her failure to make any attempt to explore her own political views (Reagan right) and how their implementation might have been a significant contributor to the current circumstances.

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Average

There are some good bits of information and individual things to think about but the structure or point was lacking. It also contains a lot of what felt like personal attacks because some people were not her friends anymore. That detracts from what is trying to be said and while this may be the writer's personal style there is so much bias at point that it clouds clear understanding of the point and unfortunately falls into a lot of the things the writer is accusing others of.

It is still a good read and if you wade through you will be rewarded with some valuable thoughts.

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Very shallow

A name dropping analysis of what is going on in the free world. A lot of name dropping and the author can't make up her mind whether she is American. Jewish, polish, European or what. A rich princess writing from a privelaged position. This book is not worth it.

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