A system of government in which power is vested in a supreme ruler. Most monarchies and dictatorships fall under this category. Zakaria sees autocracy as the greatest threat to democracy in countries that do not have a long-standing liberal tradition to counteract tyrannical leadership.

An ideological stance that values stability and tradition over innovation. It is generally aligned with capitalism and free enterprise and advocates for upholding cultural norms. Conservatism is antagonistic to liberalism because it is resistant to change. In a positive sense, it may be seen as a tempering influence that slows an aggressive rate of progress to acceptable levels.

A contemporary period in American history during which ideologically polarized groups challenge each other’s beliefs and philosophies. This trend has coalesced around the clash of liberal and conservative values. The author sees the current culture wars as an outgrowth of tribalism in identity politics.