October 06, 2022
The Rise of Personalist Leaders in Democracies
The rise of strongman leaders has become a defining trend in contemporary politics. Long confined to the realm of autocracies, strongmen have now come to dominate democracies too. In a variety of domains – ranging from media reporting to political campaigns – politics has become more personal, with elected leaders taking on outsized influence relative to their political parties or the institutions that surround them.
Yet, despite the uptick, the political consequences of the new personalist era are less understood, particularly in terms of what it means for democracy.
A new video explainer from CNAS explores why personalist leaders are becoming more prevalent and what it portends for democracy. Critically, it emphasizes that the rise of personalism helps explain the democratic setbacks we see today.
More from CNAS
-
Commentary
Indo-Pacific Security / Transatlantic Security / Middle East Security
The Axis of Upheaval Goes to WarThey are fine-tuning their cooperation to make their partners more resilient—and more dangerous to the United States—while limiting costs and risks....
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor & Richard Fontaine
-
Could the Iran War Spread to Europe?
Podcast
More than seven months have passed since the United States launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran. The resulting war has disrupted global energy markets, exacerbated region...
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor & Jim Townsend
-
Ukraine's Winter Forecast: Economy and Politics
Podcast
A fast-approaching winter looms over Ukraine. Russia has intensified a concerted campaign against the infrastructure that keeps Ukraine’s economy running, striking railways, w...
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor & Jim Townsend
-
Why Has America Suddenly Pulled Its Bombers Out of Britain?
Video
The sudden withdrawal of American heavy bombers from RAF Fairford back to the United States follows a major incident near the Gloucestershire airbase. Five men were arrested n...
By Jim Townsend
