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The Authoritarians

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About this listen

 The Authoritarians summarizes the research of Dr. Robert Altemeyer, whose professional career has focused on the study of the Authoritarian Personality, and development of the Right-Wing Authoritarian (RWA) personality and ideological variable widely studied in political, social, and personality psychology.

The foreword is provided by John W. Dean, former Nixon White House counsel and New York Times best-selling author.

©2008 Bob Altemeyer (P)2008 Bob Altemeyer Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Psychology & Interactions

Editorial reviews

In the nonfiction audiobook The Authoritarians, psychologist Bob Altemeyer shares his research on the aggressive and hostile nature of the authoritarian personality and the rise of the Right-Wing Authoritarian personality in the United States. He wrote the book in 2006, during George W. Bush’s second term as president. In a clear and direct voice, Altemeyer performs his own fascinating work. He details how authoritarianism is destroying traditional conservatism and what this means for the future of American politics and democracy.
All stars
Most relevant
This book is both unsettling and reassuring. If you’ve ever felt confused or gaslit about what authoritarianism is and how it works, this is essential reading. It’s grounded in strong sociological research, using rigorous questionnaires and broad samples, yet written in accessible, practical language.

The conclusions are startling and sobering. Authoritarian and fascist movements don’t want people to have freedom. They aim to replace open societies with systems ruled by narrow-minded, power-hungry agendas—often wrapped in fundamentalist religion and intolerance. These forces are organized, tireless, and advancing faster than many realize.

Altemeyer shows clearly that authoritarian leaders are not benign. Their agendas are selfish and dishonest. They don’t ask who they should dominate, but who they can’t dominate yet without consequence.

Despite how disheartening this clarity can be, the book is also empowering. It gives language and structure to understand what’s happening, so we can act with intention to defend democracy, freedom, and equality. It’s a vital read for anyone who values empirical thinking, collective well-being, and resisting rule by fear, hatred, and division.

Unsettling and empowering

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