This is an important book for all who want to understand and do something about the crisis of democracy in our turbulent world. Klaas tells a disturbing story, but he offers hope - and a dose of humor -- while showing how the West can turn the tide, if it acts wisely and quickly. Essential reading.' -- Walter Mondale, Former Vice President of the United States, Ambassador to Japan, and United States Senator 'For the last few decades, liberal democracy was on the march. Today, however, the world is going through a democratic recession. In this thought-provoking book, Brian Klaas points the finger at a surprising villain: the West itself. He argues that Western governments have too often been accomplices to authoritarianism; through sins of commission and admission. An enjoyable and challenging addition to the literature on democracy promotion.

' -- Mark Leonard, founder and director of the European Council on Foreign Relations 'This lucid, wide-ranging, up-to-date analysis of US democracy promotion offers penetrating critical insights as well as practical recommendations for doing better. Klaas is an engaging, lively guide through the complex thickets of democracy policy challenges and dilemmas.' -- Thomas Carothers, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace "This efficient and thought-provoking plea for the U.S. and other Western countries to prioritize democracy promotion is a must-read. [Klaas] is no armchair academic, and his analyses of policymaking challenges are informed by extensive, and sometimes dangerous, field work. [He] is able to make his points simply and clearly, as in his observation that democracy, like free speech, must be protected regardless of whether it yields a preferred result."--Publishers Weekly starred review "Written with precision and learning, with lively prose and dark humor.

Klaas'proposals combine the conviction of an idealist with the experience of a technocrat. At a time when democracy is in retreat and the world seems headed for turbulence, this book can be the shot that revives this ailing patient." --The National.