This episode unpacks the unique challenges faced by women leaders, their contributions to democracy, and the critical lessons they offer in the fight against authoritarianism.

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Host:

James M. Lindsay, Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy, CFR

Guest:

Linda Robinson, Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy, CFR; Author, Women in Power: Fighting for Democracy in an Age of Authoritarianism

We Discuss:

Why women's political representation has stalled at roughly 27 percent in the world's legislatures.
How right-wing authoritarianism and the normalization of violent misogyny have combined to create ferocious headwinds for women in politics.
Whether women govern differently from men, and what the research reveals about their attentiveness to health, education, welfare, and climate issues.
Why rolling back women's rights is central to authoritarian and right-wing movements, and why playing the "misogyny card" proves so effective, even among women voters.
Why some of the most prominent nationalist movements—in Italy, France, and Germany—are led by women, and how right-leaning figures like Giorgia Meloni complicate the picture.
How authoritarian governments use hybrid warfare and gendered disinformation against women leaders, including Chinese campaigns against Taiwan's Tsai Ing-wen and Russian campaigns against Moldova's Maia Sandu.
Which common themes emerge among successful women leaders.
Which policy reforms could strengthen both democracy and women's political participation.

Mentioned on the Episode:

Linda Robinson, Women in Power: Fighting for Democracy in an Age of Authoritarianism, Columbia University Press

Sanna Marin, Hope in Action: A Memoir About the Courage to Lead, Scribner

“Freedom in the World 2026: The Growing Shadow of Autocracy,” Freedom House

“Expanding Representation: Reinventing Congress for the 21st Century,” American Academy of Arts and Sciences

“TAKE IT DOWN Act (S.146),” U.S. Congress

“The Digital Services Act,” European Commission

“First Five,” HBO Max

For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/presidents-inbox/women-in-power

Opinions expressed on The President’s Inbox are solely those of the host or guests, not of CFR, which takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.