Shadows of Tyranny: Defending Democracy in an Age of Dictatorship

Witness to Yesterday (The Champlain Society Podcast on Canadian History)

Greg Marchildon talks to Ken McGoogan about his book, Shadows of Tyranny: Defending Democracy in an Age of Dictatorship. Shadows of Tyranny by Ken McGoogan explores how figures like Donald Trump reflect the authoritarianism of the mid-20th century. Drawing on thinkers like Orwell and Atwood, McGoogan examines how paranoia and demagoguery contributed to democracy's decline and argues these same forces are fueling a far-right movement in the U.S. that threatens democratic values. In this cautionary work, McGoogan warns of a dark future while urging action to prevent it. Ken McGoogan is a Canadian author of seventeen books, primarily nonfiction, including bestsellers like Searching for Franklin, Fatal Passage, and Canada’s Undeclared War. His latest book, Shadows of Tyranny, examines how figures like Donald Trump reflect mid-20th-century authoritarianism. McGoogan has received numerous awards, including the Pierre Berton Award for Popular History. He is a fellow of the Explorers Club and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and works as a resource historian with Adventure Canada. Originally from Montreal, he now lives in Guelph, ON. Image Credit: Douglas & McIntyre If you like our work, please consider supporting it: bit.ly/support_WTY. Your support contributes to the Champlain Society’s mission of opening new windows to directly explore and experience Canada’s past.