Anne Applebaum: Hungary's Surreal, Post-Reality Campaign

Written after his defection from Stalinist Poland in 1951, 'The Captive Mind' is a philosophical and political essay that explores the allure of Stalinism to intellectuals and the mechanisms of totalitarian control. Miłosz uses metaphorical portraits of four Polish writers (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta) to illustrate the universal human phenomena and attitudes towards totalitarianism. The book critiques the philosophical systems of Marxism and Hegelian historical determinism, highlighting the internal longing for harmony and happiness that can lead individuals to submit to such regimes. It also discusses the personal and psychological costs of living under totalitarian rule, including the transformation of 'free minds' into instruments of the state.

In 'Twilight of Democracy,' Anne Applebaum explores the rise of authoritarianism and nationalism in modern democracies. She argues that political systems with radically simple beliefs are inherently appealing, especially when they benefit loyal adherents to the exclusion of others. The book examines how despotic leaders rely on allies, bureaucrats, and media figures to support their rule and how modern authoritarian parties offer new paths to wealth and power. Applebaum draws on historical examples, including Stalinist central Europe and Nazi Germany, and investigates contemporary phenomena such as conspiracy theories, social media, and nostalgia. She warns that democracies are fragile and their survival depends on daily choices made by both elites and ordinary people.