Downstream: We Have Enabled Putin w/ Anne Appelbaum
Sep 10, 2024
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Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author known for her insights on global power dynamics, discusses the rise of Putin and the repercussions of misinformation. She explores the coalition of autocratic regimes, highlighting their shared interests in undermining democracy. The conversation delves into the complexities of Israel's political landscape and its relation to global autocracy. Applebaum also critiques the erosion of liberal values in a multipolar world and emphasizes the need for international cooperation against oppressive regimes.
Anne Applebaum discusses the emergence of a network of autocratic regimes, termed 'Autocracy, Inc.', which undermine democratic values globally.
The impact of misinformation, heavily exploited by autocratic regimes, poses a significant challenge to trust in democratic institutions.
Putin's governance reflects a blend of personal power and historical grievances that contribute to a broader anti-liberal sentiment in Russia.
Deep dives
The Influence of Algorithms on Society
Algorithms significantly influence what we see online and are increasingly shaping our workplaces and societal interactions. They act as a technological and social force that organizes our experiences in the digital world. This impact raises questions about control, particularly in the workplace, as algorithmic management becomes more prevalent. The conversation also touches on the potential pushback against these technologies, hinting at a cultural and political rejection of the systems that govern our online lives.
Rise of Autocratic International Cooperation
A network of autocratic regimes, labeled 'Autocracy, Inc.', has emerged where countries cooperate against shared values of democracy, albeit without a unified ideology. This coalition includes nations like China, Russia, and Iran, which engage in tactical exchanges involving surveillance technology and methods of political repression. These regimes have leveraged the Western financial systems and institutions to consolidate power while undermining democratic norms. By aligning against shared opposition, they present a formidable challenge to liberal values globally.
Putin's Strategic Calculations
Vladimir Putin's governance reflects a complex mix of personal power, financial interests, and a nostalgic vision of Russia's stature in the world. His anti-liberal stance has evolved from his earlier acceptance of Western economic integration, revealing a longstanding agenda to suppress dissent and consolidate media control. The discussion explores whether his autocratic style is representative of a broader anti-liberal sentiment within Russian politics, or if it is a product of personal expediency and historical grievances. Putin's actions signal a rejection of democratic values, projecting a different model of governance that prioritizes strength over liberty.
Global Governance and Human Rights Under Threat
The idea of a liberal world order is increasingly undermined by autocratic nations that reject established international norms. Countries such as China and Russia actively challenge the effectiveness of international institutions like the United Nations by attempting to manipulate the language surrounding human rights. Their goal is to construct a new framework where sovereignty and power supersede the traditional liberal values that have governed global interactions. This shift represents an existential threat to international stability and humanitarian principles, as these regimes aim to redefine the rules of engagement within the global arena.
Impacts of Misinformation on Democracy
Misinformation is a pervasive issue that threatens the fabric of democratic societies and is increasingly weaponized by autocratic regimes to sow distrust. While misinformation is a global concern, the response from Western democracies tends to focus on external threats, often overlooking internal failures in media and public trust. This phenomenon contributes to a growing cynicism among citizens regarding media integrity and democratic institutions. Thus, addressing misinformation must involve not only external factors but also a commitment to restoring trust in journalism and promoting informed public discourse.
Political scientists agree that we are now living in a “multipolar” world, with power contested by multiple states and blocs. But how we arrived at this formation, and whether the newly powerful actors on the global stage are inherently problematic, remain areas of disagreement. Someone with has a distinct perspective on this new world order […]
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