1117: Anne Applebaum | Inside The Fortune 500 of Modern Dictatorships
Feb 18, 2025
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Anne Applebaum, a renowned historian and author specializing in autocracy, dives into the intricate networks among modern dictatorships. She explains how these regimes, like Russia and China, collaborate for financial gain and technological advancement while undermining democratic values. Applebaum highlights the chilling evolution of China's surveillance technology and addresses how slow, insidious declines in democracy catch citizens off guard. She emphasizes the importance of local political engagement to combat polarization and strengthen democratic resilience.
Modern autocracies forge opportunistic networks, collaborating through mutual interests while undermining democratic ideals despite differing political systems.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine exemplifies a blatant challenge to international law, demonstrating autocrats' capacity to defy norms without repercussions.
Active citizen engagement in local politics and community building is essential for bolstering democracy and resisting autocratic influences.
Deep dives
Nature of Autocratic Regimes
Autocratic regimes often operate under a unique set of principles that prioritize absolute power over democratic values. These systems typically lack checks and balances, denying citizens any legitimate opposition or independent judiciary. Notably, these regimes can take on various ideologies, as seen in the collaboration between states like Iran and Venezuela, despite their divergent political frameworks. This highlights the opportunistic nature of autocracies, which often prioritize maintaining power over strict ideological alignment.
The Importance of International Cooperation
The global landscape has witnessed a transformation, with autocratic regimes forming unexpected alliances to fortify their grip on power. Countries like Russia, China, and Venezuela maintain mutual interests that facilitate cooperation in various domains, such as surveillance technology and military support. These alliances, while seemingly ideologically disparate, are founded on shared goals of suppressing dissent and navigating international sanctions. This cooperation underscores the dangers posed by autocratic networks as they collaborate against shared democratic values.
The Flaws of Communism and its Appeal
Despite the historical failures of communism, the ideology continues to appeal to certain groups due to its promise of equality and justice. Advocates often cling to the simplistic notion that a perfectly designed system could eradicate poverty and ensure fairness, overlooking the inherent challenges posed by human nature. The persistent cycles of violence and economic mismanagement in communist states serve as poignant reminders of these unattainable ideals. Ultimately, the realities of implementing such systems contribute to their critique, yet the allure of a utopian society remains persuasive for some.
Autocratic Surveillance and Control
The advent of advanced surveillance technologies has enabled autocratic regimes to monitor and control their citizens more effectively. Countries like China have developed sophisticated systems that intertwine online and real-world surveillance, tracking individuals' activities through extensive data collection. Such measures not only prevent dissent but also instill a sense of fear within the populace, discouraging any opposition. The implications of this technological integration pose significant threats not only domestically but also extend to those who may adopt these practices globally.
Political Violence as a Tool of Oppression
Political violence serves as a pivotal mechanism through which autocratic regimes suppress dissent and consolidate power. The assassination or elimination of political adversaries sends a chilling message to potential dissenters, reinforcing the notion that opposing the regime can result in dire consequences. This calculated approach to maintaining authority includes various methods, from disappearances to well-publicized murders, aimed at instilling fear throughout society. Such actions reflect the ruthless lengths to which these governments will go to uphold their rule.
Engaging in Democracy to Build Resilience
To fortify democratic resilience against autocratic tendencies, citizens must actively engage in their political systems at all levels. Involvement in local politics, community organizations, and civic life fosters connections among diverse individuals and counteracts polarization. This engagement empowers citizens to take ownership of their democracy and address local issues, thus building stronger societal ties. Ultimately, a proactive populace that values democratic principles can effectively resist the encroachment of autocratic practices.
From Russia to China: Autocracy, Inc. author Anne Applebaum reveals how modern autocrats create a new world order by working together against democracy.
What We Discuss with Anne Applebaum:
Modern autocracies form opportunistic networks rather than ideological blocs, collaborating through financial interests, technology sharing, and mutual support against democratic ideals — despite having different political systems.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine represents a deliberate challenge to international law and norms, with Putin demonstrating he can violate conventions without consequences.
China's surveillance technology has evolved to potentially predict political dissent by combining online monitoring, real-world tracking, and AI analysis — and this technology is being exported to other authoritarian regimes.
The decline of democracy is typically gradual, often taking decades as institutions are slowly undermined, while many citizens may not realize their democracy is eroding until it becomes impossible to elect alternative leadership.
Citizens can strengthen democracy through active local engagement: participating in local politics, joining community organizations, and building real-world connections across political divides. This practical involvement in addressing concrete local issues helps counter online polarization and maintain democratic resilience.
