Book Study - Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism
Start: 2026-01-13 18:30:00 UTC Eastern Standard Time (US & Canada) (GMT-05:00)
End: 2026-01-13 20:00:00 UTC Eastern Standard Time (US & Canada) (GMT-05:00)
Event Type:
Virtual
A virtual link will be communicated before the event.
Book Study & Discussion Group
Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism (2020) by Anne Applebaum examines democratic decline and the rise of right-wing populist movements with authoritarian tendencies. Through case studies in Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States—and additional reflections on Hungary and Spain—Applebaum explores how once-stable democracies edge toward illiberalism.
A central theme of the book is the role of the “clercs”—the intellectuals and influencers who provide the rationalizations and narratives that make authoritarianism seem acceptable. Applebaum also introduces the idea of “authoritarian predisposition,” questioning how willing any of us may be, consciously or unconsciously, to accept authoritarian rule.
She asks:
“Is it possible that we are already living through the twilight of democracy—that our civilization may be heading toward anarchy or tyranny, and that a new generation of ‘clercs,’ the advocates of illiberal ideas, will come to power in the 21st century?”
The book is widely available through major retailers and online booksellers. We also encourage participants to support a local independent bookstore when possible.
Book Information:
Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism
Anne Applebaum
Vintage, 2021
ISBN 10: 1984899503 | ISBN 13: 9781984899507
Presenters
Tom Davis-Shappell and Russell Atkinson are United Methodist pastors—one retired, one active—who have served congregations across Eastern Pennsylvania. Their ministry and life experiences span many learnings, travels, and communities. Both presenters bring thoughtful insight and a passion for facilitating meaningful dialogue. They look forward to your participation and perspectives.
Meeting Dates & Reading Schedule
All sessions run 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
Each evening will include a brief opening and closing presentation, with the majority of time devoted to interactive discussion.
January 6
Chapter 1: New Year’s Eve
Chapter 2: How Demagogues Win
Pages: 54
January 13
Chapter 3: The Future of Nostalgia
Pages: 50
January 20
Chapter 4: Cascades of Falsehood
Pages: 37
January 27
Chapter 5: Prairie Fire
Chapter 6: The Unending of History
Pages: 48
Anticipated Meeting Format
6:30 PM – Opening
• Welcome
• Read two pertinent paragraphs and/or share a video clip
• Define key terms for the evening
6:45 PM – Open Discussion
• Group engagement and shared insights
7:45 PM – Closing Reflection
• Redefine key terms in light of discussion
• Guiding Question:
“If Applebaum is correct in this chapter, how does this change your perspective?”
