Democracy: Stories from the Long Road to Freedom Hardcover – Illustrated, May 9, 2017

The book "Democracy: Stories from the Long Road to Freedom" is a priceless book. Given current times, no matter the political affiliation you may have, this book is a critical read. Dr. Condoleezza Rice is such a brilliant woman. The book evokes many emotions with the discussion of the successes of establishing a democratic government and also, over time, the failures. It is wonderful to read about people that want the types of freedom a democratic government affords to the people, and how many have fought so hard to achieve it. It is good to be reminded of those things to reignite the appreciation for what the United States of America enjoys while at all times remembering the enormous cost.

Of course if you've ever read any of Condi's writings you know she talks to you at your level and makes herself very clear indeed. I got this in Kindle so I can make the print large for my bad vision, and I'm very happy with the result... that's the first time I've tried that. If you are a Condi fan, you will not be disappointed. There are several YouTubes of her descriptions of the book you might enjoy.I was a strong supporter of Dr. Rice back in '08 when we tried to draft her, but realized then and now that the opinion "Anyone intelligent and strong enough to be the best President of this century is far too sensible to ever consider running for that office" applies in this case ten-fold. I cry for our country, but I would hate to see this brilliant woman sacrificed in an attempt to save it.

Very well-constructed. It's more of a memoir that I was expecting, but the stories work well when told together. I read it in the beginning of February 2022, and it was actually rather timely given the current events in Ukraine. I especially appreciated the viewpoint regarding the actual importance of highly functioning institutions. My thinking has evolved as a result of reading this book. It's definitely a worthwhile read.

Easily one of the most interesting and informative books I have read. Rice does an excellent job of laying out the prerequisites for the development of a new democracy. She then views the struggles many countries have had as they trudge the road to democracy through these conditions. Going through the USA, Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Colombia, Kenya and many Middle East countries she does an excellent job of informing the reader of their history and conditions. Even if you are not an expert on each region of the world, Rice provides the perfect background. The morning after the 2016 election I posted on social media that "Condeleeza Rice could still be our first woman President". I still hope she is, what a fantastic American. I just hope the future leaders of our country are packing her classrooms at Stanford and taking in her intelligence.

I have given other books 5 stars, but this was a paradigm shifting book. I knew Ms. Rice was very intelligent and part of several historical events, but I had no idea. Her intimate connection with events surrounding the Soviet Union, her expertise (she has a PhD in Soviet studies), as well as her knowledge of other areas and democracy give an amazing view of the complexity and murkiness but importance of democracy and democratic institutions. THIS book is highly recommended for an understanding of democracy and the struggles of other developing democracies.

Amazing summary of key elements to understand what makes US democracy so outstanding.Written with plenty of factual rigor but down to earth to make it an easy read.Brilliantly explained. Great comparison to understand what works and what doesn'tMakes you value the struggle of so many people throughout history to achieve such stable democracy, so as not let ourselves relax to the point of loosing it, because everybody counts in the process of keeping it healthy.

If you want to know what happened to democracy in Russia, read this book. If you want to know how democracy in Poland took hold, read this book. In fact, learn about many hot spots in world affairs since World War II. Well worth the time for anyone interested in politics and learning the importance of valuing Democratic institutions.

This is book that every leader, everyone who aspires to be a leader at any level of the modern society must read. As Condi said, the work or battle for democracy is never won once for all; it's a continuous challenge for every country, at every level to strive for democracy. And each of us have an important role to play at local level, country level as well as international level. I really want to express my warm congratulations to Senator Condi for sharing with us her incredible experience and teaching us how hard the way to democracy is.

Amazing book by a Conservative thinker.

Sensacional. Um belíssimo e bem fundamentado livro sobre um dos pilares do mundo ocidental e da política externa norte-americana: a democracia