Demagogue began as Mike's doctoral dissertation, which was about the historical tendency of democracies to self-destruct through demagogues. The ancient political theorists called this the “cycle of regimes,” and the Founding Fathers—including James Madison and Alexander Hamilton—put their concern about demagogues at the heart of America’s Constitution.
Demagogue tells the story of the fight against demagogues in several arenas: in American history, in political theory, and in foreign policy and democracy promotion. Along the way, readers meet fascinating figures: the ancient Greek demagogue Cleon, the Louisiana governor and senator Huey Long, the Detroit “radio priest” Father Coughlin, and great thinkers including Plato, Thomas Jefferson, and Hannah Arendt. The end result is a vision of democracy that depends on constitutionalism: an active culture of civic values among citizens.
With constitutionalism, Mike argues citizens can take control of democracy for themselves, arresting the cycle of regimes and protecting democracy through political culture, rather than just checks and balances and institutions.
In the Media
In 2015, NPR’s Morning Edition asked Mike for his analysis on demagogues in American history, and why Donald Trump was a demagogue.
He explained why demagogues can be so dangerous, and how to stop them.
Mike wrote an essay about the “dangers of passionate politics” in ancient political theory and American constitutional thought.
He concluded that while America can be “unforgiving to the politicians who prey on their prejudices.”
After Trump’s inauguration, Mike wrote an article explaining the harm demagogues can do once in office.
Among others, he highlighted the damage demagogues can do both in foreign policy and through the actions of incompetent advisors.
Reviews
"The author constructs a muscular narrative... Makes a forceful case for civic engagement and eternal vigilance."
— Kirkus Reviews
"[This] intriguing book... echoes Tocqueville's contention that liberal mores and traditions within society are the bedrock of democracy."
— Prof. John Eikenberry, Foreign Affairs
"[D]elivers hope, confidence and a vision for diplomacy."
— Publisher’s Weekly
"[D]emagogue is a thoughtful book, one that employs history, political theory, and foreign policy analysis to impressive effect, and one that makes a powerful case for the importance of an engaged citizenry’s constitutional conscience in the fight against demagogic tyranny and excess."
— Prof. D.J. Mulloy, Terrorism and Political Violence
Praise
“Demagogue is a simply extraordinary book. A fascinating work of political theory, an eloquent response to the Bush administration's disastrous efforts at promoting democracy, a roadmap for progressives seeking to chart a new foreign policy direction and an intellectual lifeline for anyone who believes America should be on freedom's side, and knows, in their heart, that there must be a better way.”
― Peter Beinart, City University of New York
“Michael Signer has written a strikingly original book. Demagogue tells the story of democracy by analyzing its antithesis – the often frighteningly charismatic leader who draws his strength from his purported connection to the demos itself. Amid the myriad studies of democracy and waves of democratization, of rising incomes, civil society, institutions and elections, Signer brings the human element back into the equation. The demagogue, he argues, is an eternal element in democracy's rise and fall, one that we ignore today, from Venezuela to Russia, at our peril.”
― Anne-Marie Slaughter, President, New America
“The demagogue is the only enemy of democracy who pretends to be its friend. Michael Signer's erudite and eloquent defense of constitutional democracy against its demagogic counterfeit should be required reading for the citizens of established and emerging democracies alike.”
― Michael Lind, co-founder, New America
“With American democracy facing so many challenges at home and abroad, Demagogue could not have come at a more important moment. Michael Signer has given us a deeply thoughtful book, shedding new light on one of the most important ideas in American foreign policy and drawing vivid portraits of some of history's most troubling and pivotal figures. Written with refreshing clarity and flair, this is a book to enjoy – and not soon forget.”
― The Hon. Derek Chollet, Executive Vice President, German Marshall Fund