New CFR Book by Linda Robinson Spotlights Women Leaders Fighting Against Authoritarianism

“The contest between democracy and authoritarianism continues around the world, and according to all the major democracy trackers authoritarianism has been winning for almost two decades,” writes Linda Robinson, senior fellow for women and foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), in her new book, Women in Power: Fighting for Democracy in an Age of Authoritarianism. “It is no coincidence the decline of democracy has coincided with stalling gains for women leaders in government. Deterring half the population from competing for power is a tactically sound approach to gaining and maintaining control.” 

Robinson draws on exclusive interviews and examples of women leaders around the world, including former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Moldovan President Maia Sandu, and Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley, to analyze the convergence of two trends seen in the United States and elsewhere: democratic backsliding and the systematic targeting of women in politics. Her work explores the effects of authoritarianism and violent extremism on women leaders, as well as the ways in which they are fighting back and creating more resilient democracies. 

“Understanding the combined forces arrayed against women leaders as well as how some leaders are combatting those forces can help chart a path forward for both women’s equality and democracy,” Robinson states. “This book explores both.” 

According to Robinson’s research, women politicians face coordinated online abuse and threats of violence at significantly higher rates than men. For democracy to prevail around the world, she argues that women’s political participation needs to be expanded and protected, writing that “enabling women’s fuller participation in government is not just a matter of principle but also one of practical benefit. . . . Decades of research have found that women politicians tend to support policies and investments that make countries healthier, more prosperous, and more peaceful.”  

The women profiled in Robinson’s book have overcome existential crises to make their societies more resilient and to fend off hybrid attacks from abroad, including through the creation of bold and comprehensive policies that expand democracy, improve international governance, and promote safer technology. Robinson specifically recounts how Tsai crafted a strategy to defend Taiwan from Chinese aggression while advancing social reforms, and how Kallas and Sandu fought Russian hybrid warfare by pursuing European integration.  

“This book provides lessons on effective governance and the systemic reforms needed to strengthen democracy in ways that are widely applicable,” said CFR President Michael Froman. “Linda draws on her extensive expertise in foreign policy and journalism to highlight how women leaders have and can continue to succeed on a global stage.” 

“In the fight against authoritarianism, leaving half the world’s talent on the sidelines is a recipe for failure,” Robinson concludes. 

Learn more about Women in Power: Fighting for Democracy in an Age of Authoritarianism and order your copy at cfr.org/books/women-in-power. 

To request an interview with the author, please contact CFR Communications at [email protected].