Despot's Accomplice
How the West is Aiding and Abetting the Decline of Democracy
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For the first time since the end of the Cold War, the world is steadily becoming less democratic. Though the true culprits are dictators and counterfeit democrats, the West is often complicit in contributing to the global decline of democracy. In pursuit of short-term economic and political objectives, governments in Washington, London and Brussels ultimately make the world less prosperous and stable. As Brian Klaas argues in this thoughtful and lively new book, this is in nobody's interests, least of all Western democracies – it is time for a rethink.
"The Despot's Accomplice" draws on interviews on the frontlines of the global struggle for democracy, from a poetry-reading, politician-kidnapping general in Madagascar, and Islamist torture victims in Tunisia, to Belarusian activists tailed by the KGB, and tea-sipping members of the Thai junta. Cumulatively, their stories weave together the tale of a broken system at the root of democracy's global retreat.
About the Author
Brian Klaas is a fellow in Comparative Politics at the London School of Economics, where he focuses on democratisation and political violence. He has advised several national governments and major international NGOs, including International Crisis Group, the Carter Center, and One Earth Future. Klaas received his doctorate from the University of Oxford.
Reviews
"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 humour – 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 United States Senator
"For the last few decades, liberal democracy was on the march. Today, however, the world is going through a democratic recession. In this thought-provoking book, Brian Klaas points the finger at a surprising villain: the West itself. He argues that Western governments have too often been accomplices to authoritarianism; through sins of commission and admission. An enjoyable and challenging addition to the literature on democracy promotion" – Mark Leonard, founder and director of the European Council on Foreign Relations
"This lucid, wide-ranging, up-to-date analysis of US democracy promotion offers penetrating critical insights as well as practical recommendations for doing better. Klaas is an engaging, lively guide through the complex thickets of democracy policy challenges and dilemmas" – Thomas Carothers, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
