Ece Temelkuran: Democratic Downfall and the Rise of Fascism

Welcome to If You Were in Charge Season 2, a leadership podcast about people, power and possibilities, featuring global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. This week, Sanam speaks with Ece Temelkuran, renowned author of How to Lose a Country: The 7 Steps from Democracy to Dictatorship, which explores the mechanisms of autocracy and the decline of democratic principles. Each week, Sanam tackles a major global challenge and hosts leading practitioners and innovators to share their work and solutions—if they were in charge with the necessary political and financial resources. To bring in the perspective of a younger generation, Sanam is joined each week by one of her twin daughters. This episode features Soleh, a PhD student at Cambridge. Enjoyed this episode? Follow If You Were In Charge wherever you listen and leave a rating to help more people find the show. Get in touch and stay connected: Email ICAN: [email protected] Sign up to the ICAN newsletter: https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/ More from us: adapodcasts.com If You Were In Charge is brought to you by ICAN, the International Civil Society Action Network. An ADA Production. And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network Original Music, Little Monster Media  Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch This is an ADA Productions Chapters00:00 The Rise of Fascism: A Global Concern 03:07 Personal Reflections on Civic Engagement 05:56 Understanding the Steps to Fascism 08:57 The Role of Language and Political Discourse 11:51 Shamelessness in Politics: A Dangerous Trend 15:10 The Complicity of the Progressive Left 18:08 Dignity vs. Freedom: A New Political Narrative 21:09 The Importance of Historical Awareness 24:00 Reclaiming Dignity in Political Discourse 32:04 Radical Love in Politics 33:28 The Need for Honesty in Leadership 36:07 Wealth and Power Dynamics 38:28 The Impact of Inequality on Migration 40:21 Faith in Humanity as Resistance 42:58 Empathy and Human Exchange 43:52 Finding Hope in Community 45:50 The Importance of Giving 49:05 Reflections on Political Discourse 55:21 The Urgency of Political Action Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices