Threat to Democracy The Appeal of Authoritarianism in an Age of Uncertainty

2020 PROSE Award Finalist

This book explores the recent international decline in democracy and the psychological appeal of authoritarianism in the context of rapid globalization.

The rise of populist movements and leaders across the globe has produced serious and unexpected challenges to human rights and freedoms. By understanding the psychological foundations of the surge in populism and authoritarian leadership, we can better develop ways to nurture and safeguard democracy.
 
Why and how do authoritarian leaders gain popular support? In this book, social psychologist Fathali M. Moghaddam discusses the stages of political development on the continuum from absolute dictatorship to the ideal of actualized democracy. He explains how “fractured globalization” – by which technological and economic forces push societies toward greater global unification, while social identity needs pull individuals back into tribal identification – can produce a turn toward dictatorship, even in previously democratic societies. The book concludes with potential solutions to the rise of authoritarian leaders and ways to strengthen democracy.

Fathali M. Moghaddam is a Professor of psychology and Director of Interdisciplinary Program in Cognitive Science at Georgetown University. He is the editor of Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology, an APA journal. Dr. Moghaddam has been affiliated with Georgetown University since 1990. He conducts experimental and field research in numerous cultural contexts and publishes extensively on radicalization, intergroup conflict, human rights and duties, and the psychology of dictatorship and democracy. He is widely published. Dr. Moghaddam has also received a number of awards for his scholarly contributions. He lives in Washington, DC. Visit fathalimoghaddam.com.