Strongmen are making a comeback. The hyperlibertarian Javier Milei in Argentina and the anti-immigration Geert Wilders in the Netherlands are among a growing group of recently elected leaders who promise to break a few rules, shake up democratic institutions and spread a populist message.

Is it a reaction against the failures of liberal democracies? Or is there something else behind the appeal of these misbehaving men with wild hair?

This week on “Matter of Opinion,” the hosts debate where the urge to turn to strongmen is coming from and whether it’s such a bad thing after all. Plus, young listeners share their formative political moments, even in the middle of class.

(A transcript of this episode can be found at the top of the episode page on the Times website.)

If you've been inspired to call in, we're still taking your thoughts for our end-of-the-year episode. We're looking for two things, either a question you've been dying to ask us, or a topic you'd like to hear if we're hot or cold on. You can email us at [email protected], or leave us a voicemail at 212-556-7440. We may play some of it in a future episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

• “Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra,” a podcast from MSNBC
• “This Country Seemed Immune to Far-Right Politics. Then Came a Corruption Scandal.” by Alexander C. Kaufman on HuffPost
• “The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium,” by Martin Gurri

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