Fresh Air
How Regime Change Happens In America
Feb 19, 2025
In this engaging discussion, guest Anne Applebaum, a staff writer at The Atlantic and acclaimed author on authoritarianism, sheds light on the nuances of regime change in America. She argues that modern democracies crumble from internal attacks on institutions rather than dramatic coups. Highlighting the Trump administration's distancing from NATO and its embrace of authoritarian figures like Putin, Applebaum critiques the ongoing dismantling of the civil service and warns against the dangers of political loyalty over merit.
45:03
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast illustrates how regime change in America manifests through internal attacks on democratic institutions rather than through violent coups.
- It highlights concerns about shifting U.S. diplomatic relations, especially toward NATO, raising fears about transatlantic security and global influence.
Deep dives
Diagnosis of Regime Change
The term 'regime change' is used to describe the current political climate in the United States, particularly under Donald Trump's administration. This concept highlights the shift toward authoritarianism, marked by rhetoric that labels opponents in extreme terms, suggesting a desire for drastic political alterations. Trump's characterization of Election Day as a 'Liberation Day' underscores this shift, reflecting a mindset that seeks to eliminate those deemed adversarial. Such language signals a worrying trend toward less democratic norms, reminiscent of movements seen in various authoritarian regimes worldwide.
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