Martin K. Dimitrov, a political science professor at Tulane University and expert on authoritarianism, shares fascinating insights from his work on dictatorship and information. He reflects on his Bulgarian childhood during communism and how personal experiences shape views on repressive regimes. The discussion dives into how authoritarian leaders grapple with controlling information, the balance between public sentiment and propaganda, and strategies from Eastern European communist regimes to maintain compliance. Dimitrov's analysis reveals the intricate dynamics of authoritarian resilience, particularly in China.