BEST OF: Anne Applebaum on her book Autocracy, Inc.
Dec 1, 2024
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Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, dives into her latest work, Autocracy, Inc., which examines the global rise of authoritarianism. The discussion highlights the alarming cooperation between autocratic states and reflects on recent U.S. political shifts. Applebaum also critiques Venezuela's deteriorating democracy under Chavez and Maduro, emphasizing the necessity for a unified democratic response. She combines sharp analysis with black humor, offering a nuanced view on navigating political despair while advocating for awareness and action against tyranny.
The podcast highlights the collaborative efforts of autocratic regimes to undermine democracy through financial manipulation and control of dissenting narratives.
Concerns are raised about the implications of U.S. electoral outcomes on foreign policy and the support for democracy in the face of rising authoritarianism.
Deep dives
The Concept of Autocracy, Inc.
The podcast discusses the concept of a network of autocratic states that, despite having different ideologies and systems, collaborate for mutual benefit. These countries, such as Iran, Russia, North Korea, and Venezuela, engage in activities like money laundering and financial manipulation to bolster their power and undermine democracies across the globe. This cooperation extends to sharing resources and tactics to suppress dissent and control narratives, demonstrating a coordinated effort among various regimes with harmful intentions. The discussion emphasizes that understanding this network is critical to grasping the current geopolitical landscape.
Election Stakes and Global Consequences
Concerns about the upcoming U.S. elections and their implications for foreign policy are highlighted, particularly regarding support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The podcast points out that key figures associated with Project 2025, which aims to expand executive power and transform governance, are being appointed to significant positions by Trump. This shift in leadership could potentially align U.S. foreign policy with autocratic preferences, adversely affecting the balance of power and support for democracy abroad. The emphasis on protecting democratic values underscores the urgency surrounding the election's outcome.
Illiberal Democracies and Backsliding
The podcast distinguishes between illiberal democracies and outright autocracies, explaining how some countries exhibit democratic features while systematically dismantling essential democratic institutions. Examples given include Hungary and Turkey, where ruling parties manipulate elections and control the media to maintain power. This gradual erosion of democratic norms leads to a climate where dissent is stifled, and transparency is minimized, mirroring the steps taken by regimes like that of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela. The importance of recognizing this trend is crucial to understanding how democracy can decline in seemingly stable nations.
Countering Authoritarian Propaganda and Narrative Control
Efforts to combat the pervasive influence of authoritarian propaganda created by Russia, China, and other regimes are analyzed, with a focus on the interconnectedness of these networks. The podcast illustrates how fabricated narratives, such as the existence of biolabs in Ukraine, can gain traction in democratic societies and influence public opinion. It stresses the need for the U.S. to invest in counter-narratives and to regulate social media platforms to prevent the spread of disinformation. Highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong democratic front, the discussion emphasizes that combating propaganda is essential to preserving democratic ideals and values.
In this Thanksgiving Best Of, we revisit our conversation with our friend Anne Applebaum! We aired this a few months ago when Anne's newest book, Autocracy Inc., had been released. She chronicles the rise of authoritarianism around the world and how those autocracies work together to keep themselves in power. With Donald Trump elected President once again, could we be heading for a similar fate? Other countries thwarted authoritarian candidates over the last year, but America decided that another round of Trumpism was the way to go. We can only hope that the country can survive it.