Apple News In Conversation

How Sudan’s collapse exposes America’s fading global power

8 snips
Aug 21, 2025
Anne Applebaum, a Staff writer at The Atlantic and author of "Autocracy, Inc," shares her firsthand accounts from Sudan, where the civil war has devastated civilians. She discusses the dire humanitarian crisis, driven by military factions, leading to famine and displacement. The conversation highlights the decline of U.S. diplomatic focus on Africa and critiques superficial peace negotiations that fail to address the conflicts meaningfully. Applebaum emphasizes the resilience of Sudanese civilians and activists in their struggle for power-sharing solutions and lasting peace.
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INSIGHT

Global Mediation Has Vanished

  • Applebaum argues no global power is mediating Sudan's collapse; neither U.S. nor U.N. can pull sides apart.
  • She sees a vacuum filled by regional actors pursuing their own interests rather than peace.
ANECDOTE

Abandoned Camp In Khartoum School

  • Anne Applebaum describes a displaced-people site in a school near Khartoum with no UN tents or medical help.
  • Local charities provided some food but thousands were effectively uncounted and unsupported.
ANECDOTE

Who Fights In Sudan

  • Anne Applebaum explains the two warring forces: the RSF (formerly Janjaweed) and the Sudanese Armed Forces.
  • Both split from the military and now fight for control, with civilians caught in between.
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