Tom Gallagher

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Politics expert Professor Tom Gallagher looks at the life of a complex dictator, Salazar, who ruled over Portugal for more than 30 years, and says he deserves to be better known.

Gallagher says Salazar remains a controversial figure who divides opinion. Some see him as reactionary and repressive while others praise his patriotism and dedication to duty. Gallagher says Salazar survived so long through guile and charm rather than force. He explains how Salazar rescued Portugal’s finances, kept the country out of World War II and kept Mussolini and Hitler at arm’s length.

Gallagher is emeritus professor of politics at the University of Bradford. He has written 16 books on democracy and authoritarianism, including Europe’s Modern Machiavellis: Arrogance and Deception in 20 Political Leaders, which he talks about at a second festival event.

This event is part of the festival’s Voices of Europe programme.