Countdown to After America: Putin's Influence and the Threat to America's Democracy with Dr. Alexander Motyl

As we count down to the release of the limited series After America, we are revisiting some past episodes of Deep Dive to help lay the groundwork for this important project that will attempt to answer the question - What would it actually look like if American democracy were to fail?

Dark Tales: Music by Rahul Bhardwaj from Pixabay
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Is America on the brink of democratic backsliding? As the 2024 election draws near, we explore alarming parallels between the authoritarian tactics of Vladimir Putin in Russia and those emerging in the U.S. This episode features the profound insights of Dr. Alexander Motyl, an expert on Russian affairs. We revisit our discussion about the ongoing war in Ukraine and critically analyze Putin's historical justifications for Russia's actions. Highlighting the unexpected resilience of Ukraine, we reflect on the broader global implications of the conflict.

Vladimir Putin's logic and rhetoric serve as the focus of our next segment, where we scrutinize the extreme consequences of his historical narratives. Dr. Motyl helps us question Putin's rationality and understand the potential for regions within Russia, like Buryatia and Tatarstan, to assert their historical claims for independence. Our conversation also delves into how Putin's grand historical narrative, despite its flaws, aims to legitimize his rule and maintain his grip on power. We consider the future shape of Russia if it faces defeat in Ukraine and the broader repercussions of such a scenario.

The possibility of Russia becoming a failed state is not far-fetched, as we discuss in our final segment. We consider potential outcomes for Russia, including internal power struggles and civil conflict reminiscent of its past. The conversation stresses the importance of preparedness and understanding the regions within the Russian Federation to mitigate instability. Finally, we contemplate scenarios of peaceful dissolution versus chaotic fragmentation, emphasizing the crucial need for ongoing support to neighboring states to contain any potential spillover effects. 

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