The Bulwark Podcast
Anne Applebaum: Planning for a Techno-Oligarchic Regime
Dec 13, 2024
Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Atlantic staff writer specializing in authoritarianism, joins Tim Miller for a compelling discussion. They explore how billionaires backing Trump risk undermining democracy for business interests. Applebaum highlights the potential for regimes to collapse quickly, referencing the chaos in Syria. The conversation delves into the intersection of technology and power, examining how disinformation threatens democratic integrity and how elite complicity could reshape political landscapes.
42:57
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Wealthy individuals aligning with authoritarian regimes might pursue short-term business gains, but this often leads to long-term instability and corruption.
- The podcast highlights the dangers of normalized corruption within governance, as familial ties to foreign policy can undermine public trust and democratic integrity.
Deep dives
The Allure of Authoritarianism and Domestic Support
The podcast discusses the seductive nature of authoritarianism and how it’s manifested in the American political landscape. Wealthy individuals, such as Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, appear to be aligning themselves with the new regime, believing that supporting it might lead to favorable outcomes for their businesses. This pattern is not unique to the U.S., as historical examples illustrate that oligarchs often accommodate leaders who have previously undermined democratic norms. The conversation highlights a troubling trend of elites normalizing authoritarian governance as a survival strategy, potentially threatening democratic structures.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
