Twilight of Democracy

In the transformative years surrounding the fall of the Berlin Wall, individuals across Europe and America, regardless of their political affiliations, united in celebration of a monumental achievement. This period was marked by a shared sense of purpose and the forging of strong personal bonds. However, as the decades rolled on, the initial wave of euphoria receded. The common ground that once existed began to erode, giving way to a resurgence of extremism. Anne Applebaum offers a compelling narrative of this evolution, focusing on the personal journeys of those who lived through these public events over the past thirty years. In an era marked by growing political polarization, individuals in roles such as journalists, intellectuals, and civic leaders face challenging decisions: which side do they support? How should they respond to the resurgence of authoritarian or nationalist sentiments within their countries? When leaders manipulate historical narratives, promote unfounded conspiracies, or undermine the independence of media and judiciary, these individuals must decide whether to comply or resist.