Julia Sonnevend — Charming! (EP.230)

Infinite Loops

Professor Julia Sonnevend believes that charm is one of the defining political trends of our era.

In her latest book, she argues that charm will do no less than “shape the future of democracy worldwide,” exploring how it is weaponized by politicians ranging from Jacinda Arden to Kim Jong Un.

In our episode, you will discover why charm has emerged as a political force and how to innoculate yourself when you encounter it in the wild.

Julia and I also dig into the five components of a charming interaction, a tantalizing prospect for those of you who want to dabble in the dark arts yourself…

For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other stuff designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!” check out our Substack.

Important Links:

• Charm: How Magnetic Personalities Shape Global Politics
• Julia’s website
• Julia’s Twitter

Show Notes:

• Why social scientists are scared of charm
• The beer test of political leadership
• Can charm be manufactured?
• How humor affects charm
• The five building blocks of charm
• Does writing a book about charm make you immune to charm?
• Suspicion of seduction
• Is personality damaging politics?
• The true arbiter of authenticity
• How to encourage students to think critically
• How global iconic events are constructed
• Historical villains & the banality of evil
• Charming or not-charming: a speed-round
• The transitory nature of the charm offensive
• The benefits of taking a moment
• Julia as Empress of the World