What lies behind the surge in populist movements?

Book review: The Fate of the WestBill Emmott investigates why so many people are expressing open admiration for authoritarian leaders.

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The assumption that "Western values" such as liberal democracy, free markets and globalisation would triumph over other political systems has been called into question recently. We've seen a surge in support for populist movements, and a significant section of the population expressing open admiration for authoritarian leaders. In this wide-ranging book, Bill Emmott, the former editor of The Economist, investigates what lies behind the shift.

Emmott's solutions seem sensible, if a bit vague at times. He deserves credit for recognising that globalisation and openness need to have some sort of limit if they are to gain acceptance and makes interesting points about how well-intended policies can increase inequality. My only real criticism is that the book could have benefited from being a bit longer, as it tries to cram a lot of material into 200 pages.

MoneyWeek

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Dr Matthew Partridge
MoneyWeek Shares editor