The Appeal of Authoritarianism

We look at dictatorships and authoritarianism. Even with their emphasis on obedience, disinformation, nostalgia and scapegoating, support is on the rise at home and abroad.

Air Date: January 12, 2024 12:00 pm

ussian President Vladimir Putin arrives to attend a concert marking the seventh anniversary of the referendum on the state status of Crimea and Sevastopol and its reunification with Russia, in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, March 18, 2021. (Alexei Druzhinin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Authoritarianism is on the rise around the globe, the appeal spreading to even American voters. We’ll talk with Georgetown University professor Fathali Mogahddam, who grew up under a dictatorship, about why people are drawn to authoritarian leaders and how to break the spell.

Also in the hour, the concept of authoritative parenting. We’ll talk about different parenting philosophies and how they influence children with Oberlin College professor of psychology Nancy Darling.

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