Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and political analyst known for her insights on democracy and Eastern Europe, dives into the crisis of democracy and the rise of autocracies. She discusses Trump’s pro-Russian stance and the political tactics of Trump and Putin, emphasizing their ability to shape alternate realities. The conversation also explores NATO's changing dynamics in response to Russian aggression and highlights Ukraine's resilience and ingenuity in wartime, questioning the relationship between wealth, rights, and democracy.
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insights INSIGHT
New Autocracies' Networked Nature
Current autocracies form a network united by shared financial interests, not ideology.
They jointly attack democracy as weak and degenerate, often spreading similar narratives globally.
insights INSIGHT
States as Corporations for Elites
Autocratic leaders view states as corporations aimed at enriching elites rather than citizens.
This model strips citizens of rights and weakens the country over time.
insights INSIGHT
Autocrats Make Lawlessness Law
Autocrats like Putin and Trump seek to overturn law, making lawlessness the new norm.
Trump challenges legal systems, embodying the idea that the sovereign exceeds law during exceptions.
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This book is a mix of memoir and business advice, detailing Trump's professional and personal worldview. It outlines his approach to deal-making, including his eleven key elements for success, such as 'Think Big,' 'Maximize Your Options,' and 'Have Fun.' The book offers insights into Trump's business strategies, his interactions with various figures, and his approach to negotiating deals. It also provides a glimpse into his personal life and how he runs his organization[1][3][5].
On Freedom
Timothy Snyder
In 'On Freedom', Timothy Snyder argues that the concept of freedom has been misunderstood in modern America. He distinguishes between negative freedom (freedom from state power) and positive freedom (the freedom to thrive and take risks for chosen futures through collective effort). Snyder draws on the work of philosophers, political dissidents, and his own experiences to identify the habits of mind and practices necessary for designing a government that allows future generations to flourish. He emphasizes the importance of traditions, institutions, and a politics of abundance, generosity, and grace. The book also critiques libertarianism, exposes injustices in the penal system, and advocates for a culture of solidarity and strong government focused on human flourishing[2][3][5].
Autocracy, Inc.
The Dictators Who Want to Run the World
Anne Applebaum
In 'Autocracy, Inc.', Anne Applebaum provides a detailed analysis of how modern autocracies operate, highlighting their sophisticated networks of kleptocratic financial structures, surveillance technologies, and professional propagandists. These autocratic regimes, spanning countries like China, Russia, and Iran, collaborate across borders to maintain power and undermine democracy. Applebaum argues that international condemnation and economic sanctions are ineffective against these autocrats and calls for democracies to fundamentally reorient their policies to combat this new threat. The book serves as both a historical investigation and a practical guide for defending democratic values against the rising tide of autocracy.
We had a conversation with Anne Applebaum a few months ago on this podcast about her book "Autocracy, Inc".—be sure to check it out: https://ukraineworld.org/en/podcasts//ep-332
The current episode features a public conversation on similar themes: the crisis of democracy, the rise of new autocracies, Trump’s pro-Russian stance, and Russia’s war against Ukraine.
It was recorded as a keynote discussion at the Lviv Media Forum—one of Ukraine’s major media events—in May 2025 (https://lvivmediaforum.com/en)
We’re now publishing it as part of our Thinking in Dark Times series at UkraineWorld.
Anne Applebaum is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and political analyst.
Host: Volodymyr Yermolenko, a Ukrainian philosopher, the chief editor of UkraineWorld and the president of PEN Ukraine.
You can support our work at: https://www.patreon.com/c/ukraineworld.
Your support is vital, as we rely heavily on crowdfunding.
You can also support our volunteer trips to frontline areas in Ukraine, where we provide aid to both soldiers and civilians. Donations are welcome via PayPal at: ukraine.resisting@gmail.com.
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