Speaker: Dr. Brian Klaas

Chair: Jonathan Hopkin

For the first time since the end of the Cold War, the world is becoming less democratic. With Donald Trump a major contender for the White House and the Brexit referendum flying in the face of expert recommendations, the value of democracy is now being questioned. And the world’s despots are thriving. The Despot’s Accomplice draws on years of extensive interviews on the frontlines of the global struggle for democracy, from a poetry-reading, politician-kidnapping general in Madagascar to Islamist torture victims in Tunisia, Belarusian opposition activists tailed by the FSB, West African rebels, and tea-sipping members of the Thai junta. Cumulatively, their stories weave together a tale of a broken system at the root of democracy’s global retreat.

“This is an important book for all who want to understand and do something about the crisis of democracy in our turbulent world. Klaas tells a disturbing story, but he offers hope – and a dose of humor – while showing how the West can turn the tide, if it acts wisely and quickly. Essential reading.”

Walter Mondale – former Vice President of the United States, Ambassador to Japan and US Senator

Dr. Brian Klaas (@brianklaas) is a Fellow in comparative politics at the London School of Economics.

Jonathan Hopkin (@jrhopkin) is Associate Professor of comparative politics at the London School of Economics.

Use #LSEdemocracy to join the conversation on Twitter

This event is free and open to all, with no ticket or pre-registration required