Women in Power: Fighting for Democracy in an Age of Authoritarianism

by Linda Robinson

Around the world, antidemocratic forces are taking aim at women leaders. Misogynistic authoritarianism has entered the mainstream, seeking to reverse decades of progress. Weaponized digital technologies have unleashed sexualized smears and violent threats. There is a deep connection between attacks on women and attacks on democracy—and female leaders can show us how to fight back.

Linda Robinson—an award-winning journalist and prominent expert—tells the powerful stories of the women on the frontlines of the battle between democracy and authoritarianism. Despite age-old obstacles and virulent new dangers, these remarkable leaders have strengthened their countries, expanded gender equality, and promoted policies that benefit all. Tsai Ing-wen crafted a strategy to defend Taiwan from Chinese aggression while advancing social reforms. Estonia’s Kaja Kallas and Moldova’s Maia Sandu fought Russian hybrid warfare by pursuing European integration. Balkan leaders Vjosa Osmani and Nataša Pirc Musar bolstered their democracies against Serbian and Russian destabilization. Mia Mottley of Barbados became a global champion for climate justice, rising above sexist attacks to achieve international financial reforms. Robinson distills their hard-won lessons, providing a roadmap for other countries facing existential threats. Timely and vivid, this book spotlights women’s leadership amid the global crisis of democracy.

Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2026

Reviews

[Jen Burrows · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women in Power is a compelling introduction to the challenges and opportunities facing women leaders around the world.

Robinson clearly knows her stuff. Her writing is stacked with facts, citations and examples, but she writes in such a way that it doesn't feel overwhelming, favouring clear and readable prose over academic jargon. The case studies are well researched and allow for more in-depth examination of the common barriers women face and the different ways they have navigated them.

It's nearly impossible to write about politics without casting value judgements, and it's clear that Robinson has chosen to focus on women who best embody the democratic model of leadership. The occasional generalising statement slips through, but she's careful to ground her arguments in evidence, while acknowledging that not every female democratic leader fits the anti-authoritarian mould.

There's some thought-provoking exploration of the challenges posed by resurging authoritarianism and the rise of weaponised misogyny in political discourse. Attacks on women in public life are often designed not only to undermine individual leaders but to discourage wider participation by women in politics. Sadly, progress towards gender equality is neither inevitable nor secure.

Timely and thoughtful, Women in Power offers an accessible examination of leadership, democracy and representation, offering reasons for optimism while remaining clear-eyed about the obstacles that remain in an increasingly uncertain world.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

1000 % top read of 2026! This book was well researched, written, and organized in an easy-to-follow format. While reading this book I found that the way it compiles data of current events in numerous different countries, the changes in rise of authoritarianism, plus the attacks on women's rights was shocking to see the numbers to say the least. While also comparing them to when women are leaders and positions of political esteem in relation to these statistics. It used current information and how it compares to past authoritarian government movements, their tactics, and finally beliefs. The information was very eye opening; it's not just showing information and history from just one country but a clear pattern from several. It is a crucial and educational read for today’s day and age.
I received an advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.

[Cristina De Luca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy.

I read this book because I am academically interested in the topic. I find the book manages to match what most academic and trade non-fiction books can't manage: it's authoritative but specific. It's grounded in reality but does not disregard previous literature. It's a good way (better than most academic studies) to describe women in power, the structural challenges they face and the output they produce. Honestly was expecting a mediocre trade non-fiction book, but this was not the case and I really enjoyed it. I read a lot on this topic, but I this is one of the few books that did not make me wish to carve my eyes out.

[Katie Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women in Power: Fighting for Democracy in an Age of Authoritarianism is a compelling and timely examination of the vital role women leaders play in defending democratic institutions amid rising authoritarianism. Drawing on extensive research and firsthand reporting, Linda Robinson presents a powerful analysis of leadership under pressure, demonstrating how courage, resilience, and strategic vision have shaped responses to some of the world's most pressing political challenges.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to weave together the experiences of influential leaders from diverse political and cultural contexts into a cohesive narrative about the future of democracy. Through thoughtful case studies, the book explores how these leaders have confronted disinformation, geopolitical pressure, democratic backsliding, and gender-based hostility while advancing reforms that strengthen governance, human rights, and civic participation.

Beyond documenting political events, the work offers meaningful insight into the qualities of effective leadership during periods of uncertainty and institutional strain. By connecting issues of democracy, gender equality, international security, and public policy, Robinson provides readers with a nuanced framework for understanding the broader challenges facing democratic societies in the twenty-first century.

Written with exceptional clarity, analytical depth, and journalistic authority, Women in Power makes a significant contribution to political science, international relations, leadership studies, gender studies, and contemporary global affairs. It is an essential resource for policymakers, academics, students, and readers seeking a deeper understanding of how principled leadership can strengthen democratic resilience in an increasingly complex world.

[Chad Manske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Robinson’s “Women in Power: Fighting for Democracy in an Age of Authoritarianism” is an incisive, timely, and deeply admirable work that combines intellectual rigor with genuine moral force. Drawing on her long experience as a journalist and analyst of conflict and statecraft, Robinson shows with unusual clarity how women leaders are shaping the struggle for democratic resilience at exactly the moment the world most needs their leadership. What makes the book especially impressive is its scope without loss of focus. Robinson connects domestic governance, diplomacy, security, justice, and digital integrity into a single, persuasive argument: democracy is strengthened when women are not merely included, but empowered to lead. That insight gives the book both urgency and coherence, and it never feels schematic or slogan-driven. Instead, it reads as the product of careful observation, disciplined judgment, and a real respect for the complexity of public life. The prose is lucid and authoritative, but never dull. Robinson writes with the confidence of someone who understands that big political questions are ultimately human questions, and she gives her subjects the dignity and seriousness they deserve. The result is a book that is as readable as it is consequential. It has the rare quality of being both policy-relevant and genuinely inspiring, which makes it valuable for specialists and general readers alike. Most importantly, “Women in Power” leaves the reader with a sense of possibility rather than despair. In an era when authoritarianism can feel relentless, Robinson identifies a durable source of democratic strength in the leadership of women who are already doing the hard work of holding societies together. That is not only a persuasive thesis; it is a profoundly hopeful one. This is an outstanding book: smart, balanced, and quietly galvanizing.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What an excellent volume. Well-cited and well-researched. A panacea for those feeling lost in these tumultuous times, especially women.

We have several case studies of women leading democratic governments and movements: Tsai Ing-wen in Taiwan; Estonia’s Kaja Kallas and Moldova’s Maia Sandu; Balkan leaders Vjosa Osmani and Nataša Pirc Musar; and Mia Mottley of Barbados. We learn all about the sexist, racist, ageist, homophobic, and all other kinds of attacks these people suffered (and likely continue to suffer). Despite it all, they persisted.

I found myself shaking my head at how foolish humanity is. There's much evidence that things get better under the leadership of non-cismen and this text presents engaging and believable examples. Unfortunately, there's also a lot of evidence that people are just fundamentally biased and ideological, regardless of the facts. The strength of these women to persist against all odds, barriers, and vitriol is truly inspiring. I wonder what the world would look like if we kicked out all the cismen from power for 5 years and filled those roles with everyone else?

Thank you to NetGalley and Columbia University Press for the advance copy.

[Leila Pahlavan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

Fantastic read! It is exceptionally well written, thoughtfully researched and highly relevant to the challenges facing democracies today.

I agree 100% with the author's premise that there is a connection between attacks on women's rights and attacks on democratic institutions. This book explores that relationship through the experiences of remarkable female leaders around the world, offering both insight and perspective.

Reading about the women profiled in this book left me feeling hopeful. Despite the pressures and threats many of their countries continue to face from larger authoritarian powers, these women have demonstrated resilience, courage and a steadfast commitment to democratic values.

More than a collection of political profiles, this book is a compelling reminder that leadership comes in many forms and that democracy requires constant vigilance and participation. I believe this should be required reading for everyone, and I hope it inspires women and girls of all ages to see themselves as future leaders and change-makers.

[Luv2TrvlLuvBks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treatise of the past and a blueprint for the future.

The Author meticulously examines the strives women had made in the past in politics, how they have stalled and what can be done in the future.

The depth of research is evident in this book. Spanning the globe, the Author shares her findings of what paths women have forged via past notable female leaders occupying seats in New Zealand to current ones in Moldova. She looks at the destructive result of fake news and unfettered A.I. have wrought on women's roles in politics.

This is a read that will not only appeal to those who enjoy current and past political history. It's also for curious minds who are receptive to considering how some social mores have lasting and often detrimental effects.

Thank you Columbia University Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#WomeninPower #NetGalley

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful, engaging, and incredibly relevant book. It highlights the stories of women from around the world who are working to protect and strengthen democracy, often in the face of enormous challenges, and I found their courage genuinely inspiring. I appreciated that the book doesn't pretend these struggles are easy or that progress is inevitable, but it also isn't cynical. Instead, it left me feeling more hopeful than I expected. I learned a lot, and more than once I found myself looking up people and events because I wanted to know even more. I think this is a really important book. Highly recommended, and an easy 5 stars from me. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy!

[Lottie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75⭐️

My PhD is in the realm of political representation, so I am very familiar with this subject. It provided a good general overview of the topic, and highlighted some important issues in relation to violence against women in politics. Overall, a solid introduction to an extensive topic

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read and an important read. Packed full of facts and opportunities. Thanks to the author. Thanks to #netgalley and the publisher.