Released: 31st October 2019
Genre: Non-fiction, history, political science
Number of Pages: 205
Thirty years on from the end of the Cold War and the fall of the Soviet Union, western
democracies are facing a crisis of trust and sustainability. With ever-rising polarisation and
the gradual erosion of trust, it’s harder than ever to find a consensus and move forward.
Ivan Krastev and Stephen Holmes open a strong debate in “The Light That Failed”. It’s a
book with a lot of information, not all of which will be taken in by a wide audience. The book
is about a reversal of fortunes and perceptions, an optimism towards progress that was not
embraced on a global scale.
Across three parts, we see how the world has shifted from imitating neoliberalism towards
volatile populism. In the 2010s, a new breed of political leader has risen; Victor Orban,
Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, all these leaders draw from similar playbooks in their efforts
to dismantle liberal democracies and establish their own rebellious ventures into far right
ideologies. Through a series of examples and current events, we develop and understanding
of why these contentious demagogues behave the way they do and their greater plans to
sway the masses to their side.
Despite its shorter length, the book is very high brow and complex in nature; covering many
serious topics like history, societal evolution and political discourse. As a result, it’s heavily
tailored to those with an interest in its genre. Common readers will feel turned off by its
heavy tone and lack of additional material to break up the walls of text. The book could have
used historical photos as a complement to its deeper themes and explorations. As it stands,
the target audience is both narrow and specific. Compelling explanations are there and
accounted for, but you’ll have to dig through a lot of extra details to make sense of them.
Recommended?
MAYBE: While The Light That Failed is worthwhile reading for followers and students of its
subjects, it’s very unlikely to appeal to other readers. The book’s pages are filled to burst
with advanced descriptions and analogies and it will take the reader some extra attention
and mental finesse to take it all in. What it does well is making connections between
historical events and their greater progression. Those who get into it will find a
comprehensive view of why the world is the way it is in the modern 2010s.
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