Author

Moisés Naím

16 key ideas across 2 books, each explained in our own words.

The End of Power

IDEA 1
Power is gained easily, lost easily
Naím argues that in the modern world, power has become easier to gain, harder to use and easier to lose. Big governments, companies and armies face challenges from smaller rivals.
IDEA 2
More of everything changes power
Naím describes the more revolution: more people, more wealth, more education and more of everything. This abundance makes people harder to control. In his view, a larger and better-informed public is harder to command or to impress.
IDEA 3
People move more
Naím describes the mobility revolution, the movement of people, goods and ideas across borders. This weakens traditional power holders. In his account, ideas and money now cross borders more easily, so no single authority can contain them.

IDEA 1
Power is concentrating again
Naím argues that after a period when power was spreading out, a new kind of leader is gathering it back. These leaders win elections but then work to escape limits on their rule.
IDEA 2
Three tools help autocrats
Naím describes the three Ps of populism, polarisation and post-truth. He argues that modern autocrats use all three to gain and keep power. In his view, each tool strengthens the others, so together they are more effective.
IDEA 3
Populism divides people
Naím explains that populists claim to speak for the pure people against a corrupt elite. This simple story attracts angry voters. In his account, this story makes a complex problem seem to have one clear culprit.

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