The Brian Lehrer Show

Garry Kasparov on 'Autocracy in America'

Jul 16, 2025
Garry Kasparov, a former world chess champion and prominent democracy activist, shares his insights on safeguarding American democracy. He discusses the troubling shift in Trump's stance towards Putin amidst the Ukraine crisis. Kasparov highlights the growing threat of authoritarianism during Trump's presidency and calls for proactive measures ahead of future elections. He emphasizes Ukraine's critical role in European security and the need for vigilance to prevent democratic backsliding in the U.S. A compelling mix of chess strategy and political acuity!
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ANECDOTE

Kasparov's Journey to Dissidence

  • Garry Kasparov described his early disillusionment with Soviet propaganda after traveling abroad as a young chess champion.
  • He joined the pro-democracy movement in the late 1980s and later opposed Putin's regime from inside Russia before emigrating to the U.S.
INSIGHT

Putin’s Expansionism Ignored

  • Putin openly spoke of restoring the Soviet Union, signaling expansionist intentions ignored by the West.
  • Early acts like the 2008 Georgia attack showed that Putin's ambitions extended beyond Russia's borders.
INSIGHT

Trump’s Policies Favor Putin

  • Trump has acted in ways that help Putin survive despite sanctions and international pressure.
  • His policies generally avoid serious measures that would harm Putin's financial or political interests.
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