The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Archive: Anne Applebaum on the Twilight of Democracy
7 snips
May 4, 2025 
Anne Applebaum, a columnist and historian known for her book "Twilight of Democracy," delves into the unsettling rise of authoritarianism globally. She discusses how political shifts and social media fuel these movements, while illustrating the surprising commonalities across countries such as the U.S. and Poland. Applebaum highlights the interconnectedness of right-wing ideologies and their strategic use of nationalist rhetoric, reflecting on the risks posed to democratic institutions and emphasizing the need for vigilance against these emerging threats.
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Millennium Party Became Extremist Seedbed
- Anne Applebaum describes a 1999 New Year's Eve party with journalists and junior politicians, many later turning to extremist politics.
- Several guests became prominent figures in Poland's xenophobic and conspiratorial ruling party years later.
Common Authoritarian Themes Identified
- Authoritarian movements share themes of pessimism, nostalgia, conspiracy theories, and distrust of institutions.
- Social media amplifies conspiracy theories, increasing skepticism towards democracy and enabling radical alternatives.
Social Media Drives Authoritarian Rise
- The media revolution, especially social media, is key to the rise of authoritarianism now.
- It transforms information flow, enabling isolated groups to organize, share ideas, and undermine traditional parties.
