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The Rise of the Iron Men With Misha Glenny

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The Rise of the Iron Men With Misha Glenny

By: Misha Glenny
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The future of democracy is uncertain.

Populist world leaders are dominating headlines and creating a new kind of politics that challenges democratic values and the liberal order.

They influence the media, exert economic power, appoint judges, cultivate populism and seek to undermine the very institutions which brought them into power.

In this gripping narrative, Misha Glenny, journalist and best-selling author of McMafia, tells the stories of six strongmen's unexpected rise.

A Somethin' Else production for Audible Originals.

This is an Audible Original Podcast. Free for members. You can download all 6 episodes to your Library now.

©2020 Audible, Ltd. (P)2020 Audible, Ltd. Corruption & Misconduct Politics & Activism Politics & Government Presidents & Heads of State
Episodes
  • Ep. 1: Public Enemy No. 1

    Ep. 1: Public Enemy No. 1
    Aug 17 2020

    This story starts in Hungary, 1989, the year Misha Glenny first set eyes on Viktor Orban - then a young student activist calling for an end to communist rule. Three decades later, Glenny asks: how did this once passionate liberal turn into the original strongman?
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    33 mins
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  • Ep. 2: Duterte Harry

    Ep. 2: Duterte Harry
    Aug 17 2020

    He's called Pope Francis a "son of a whore", he wolf-whistles at female journalists, and he boasts about killing drug dealers - how did this provincial mayor become President of the Philippines?
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    36 mins
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  • Ep. 3: A Very Strange Coup

    Ep. 3: A Very Strange Coup
    Aug 17 2020

    One summer’s evening in July 2016, fighter jets started circling around Istanbul, Turkey. It was the beginning of a military coup to overthrow modern Turkey’s longest-serving ruler - President Recep Tayipp Erdogan.
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    35 mins
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All stars
Most relevant
it got s bit samey and the author clearly had a particular viewpoint which he is determined to make with little contradictory points of view. However, as long as you mentally challenge his view on the way through, it is still a pretty good and entertaining 40 minutes

good listening

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Fascinating stories about the politicians featured & their rise to power. Looking forward to more from Mr Glenny.

interesting stories

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The rise of populist has always strike me and this was definitely the best place to start learning about it.

Quite interesting

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It's hard to believe how easily these 6 little men have managed to poison minds and bend the rules of democracies to their advantage. But it is really important to widen the knowledge about them and hopefully ensure they are just an exception.
Even if you are an admirer of Johnson, Orban, Erdogan or Modi, you should listen to the podcast. Find out more about why they are acting like that.

Eye opening

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I loved the Putin section (and Misha's other book about the rise of Putin) and found it fascinating to learn a bit more about the other iron men. We learn so much through news outlets and printing press, but it was nice to have it all packaged together to listen to an overview on each character.
I can see the reasons why Boris was included, but it really did feel tenuous and almost like a 'bit of fun' to include (hey, why not run the rule over this chap). I agree that the relevant criteria for his inclusion boiled down to charisma, effective use of media, and a history of stretching the truth... but he isn't a murderer, an invader of other nations, an inciter of riots, nor is he ammassing huge personal wealth stolen from the state. I doubt he is a misogynist who "hates women" / "powerful women".
Still, I really did enjoy this all the same and would recommend to anyone who enjoys listening to political insights.

Really interesting listen, but seriously... Boris?

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