Autocracy in America The Politician
Aug 22, 2025
Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, a chess grandmaster and former speaker of the Lithuanian parliament, shares her insights on the evolving political landscape. She discusses Lithuania’s pivotal role in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, emphasizing the urgency for stronger European security measures. The conversation highlights her transition from chess to politics, showcasing how strategic thinking applies to both arenas. Additionally, they explore the complex relationship between Eastern Europe and the U.S. in fostering democracy amid rising authoritarianism.
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From Grandmaster To Parliamentarian
- Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen describes her transition from chess grandmaster to politician at age 30.
- She remained a professional chess player for most of her life before entering Seimas ten years ago.
Chess Skills But Political Realities Differ
- Chess trains focus, memory, and handling wins and losses, but politics is messier and rule-changing.
- Čmilytė-Nielsen says chess is honorable while politics is vague with many gray zones.
Independence Memory Shapes Policy
- She recounts Lithuania's 1990 declaration of independence and the 1989 Baltic Way human chain.
- She recalls January 1991 when Russian troops attacked Vilnius and people were killed protecting parliament and the TV tower.