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. "In this moment of creeping authoritarianism around the world, Linda Robinson demonstrates the extremist forces that are driving women out of leadership. More importantly, she reveals the strategies women leaders are using to navigate this new landscape, offering hope not just to promote women’s equality but to restore democracy. Women in Power offers inspiration from women leaders for a world where all people can thrive." -- Barbara McQuade, professor from practice, University of Michigan Law School, and former US Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan (2010–2017) "Robinson’s book is a must-read for those who are concerned about the rise of authoritarianism and the vicious attacks on women’s leadership. By showcasing the experiences of six women political leaders, Robinson debunks the stereotype that only men can lead in challenging times. Women political leaders, she demonstrates, have the winning governing formula for defending democracy – governing for all and advancing gender equality." -- Geeta Rao Gupta, former US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues (2023-2025) Linda Robinson is senior fellow for women and foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations. She was previously director of the Center for Middle East Public Policy at the RAND Corporation. A former foreign correspondent, Robinson is the author of three acclaimed and best-selling books about America’s “long wars.”