In this episode of Zombie Book Club, we dive deep into the chilling parallels between Negan from The Walking Dead and real-world authoritarian regimes. By breaking down Negan’s methods into four distinct phases—consolidating power, eroding democratic institutions, establishing totalitarian control, and sustaining the regime—we expose the disturbing strategies dictators employ to seize and maintain power. 

From identity erasure through the "I am Negan" mantra to economic coercion and psychological manipulation, this analysis offers crucial insights into recognizing and resisting authoritarian tactics in our own world. Join the discussion to discover how fictional villains can teach us real-life lessons about vigilance, resistance, and the fight against tyranny. 

Show Notes:

• Special Elevator Pitch By Scott Serkland For "Young and the Dead: No Zombies Allowed"
  • https://youngandthedead.com
  • Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/serkworks
  • Instagram: @serkworks

Show References

• https://dictatorplaybook.com/
• PBS Documentary: The Dictator’s Playbook: https://www.pbs.org/show/dictators-playbook/ 

Books to Read: 

• "How Democracies Die" by Levitsky & Ziblatt
• "The Anatomy of Fascism" by Robert O. Paxton
• "On Tyranny" by Timothy Snyder 
• "Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present" by Ruth Ben-Ghiat
• "Twilight of Democracy" by Anne Applebaum
• "The Origins of Totalitarianism" by Hannah Arendt
• "Manufacturing Consent" by Noam Chomsky and Edward S. Herman 

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