When Russian President Vladimir Putin came to power at the start of the 21st century, he established a new style of leadership, the «strongman style». Wittingly or not, he set a global trend.
The new autocrats have since established themselves in a diverse a set of capitals including Ankara and Beijing, New Delhi and Brasilia, and even Washington and London. The “strongmen” claim to stand at the side of “the common man” against “global elites”, have little time for minorities or independent institutions, including free media, and foster personality cults.
This global phenomenon has changed world affairs, argues Gideon Rachman, chief foreign affairs commentator for the Financial Times. In his new book The Age of the Strongman– now also published in German as Welt der Autokraten – he argues that “we are now in the midst of the most sustained global assault on liberal democratic values since the 1930s”, a view that raises uncomfortable questions regarding the future of the global order as well as for German and European foreign policy.
In conversation with Jana Puglierin, Gideon Rachman will present his thoughts and ideas at the event on 7 September, from 11.00 – 12.00 CEST. Spots are limited and will be given out on a first come, first served basis.
Guests:
- Gideon Rachman, Chief foreign affairs commentator, Financial Times
Chaired by:
- Jana Puglierin, Head of the Berlin Office, ECFR
Register here.