Across the world, billions of citizens are being asked to cast their vote in elections taking place in more than 50 countries, making this a pivotal year for democracy. But these polls come as populist, illiberal and far-right parties are either growing in support or consolidating gains they have already made. In the second of this five-part series, the FT’s renowned economics commentator, Martin Wolf, speaks to the author and journalist Anne Applebaum, who’s witnessed first hand some of the seismic shifts that have taken place in America and Europe. They talk about how the newly elected Polish government is trying to veer the country away from the illiberal path taken by the previous administration, and spell out what’s at stake for the world if Donald Trump wins a second term as US president. Clip: The Guardian

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Martin Wolf column: Fascism has changed, but it is not dead

For Martin’s other FT columns click here

This episode is presented by Martin Wolf. The producer is Sandra Kanthal. Production help from Sonja Hutson. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa and the sound engineer is Nigel Appleton. The FT's global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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