In this insightful conversation, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Anne Applebaum, IT Brew reporter Eoin Higgins, and New York Times journalist Ryan Mac analyze Elon Musk's aggressive takeover of key government operations. They discuss the troubling implications of tech billionaires influencing democracy and governance, drawing parallels to historical regimes. The guests explore how Musk's actions challenge accountability in the digital age, as well as the potential for corporate tactics to undermine democratic values. Expect a captivating dive into the intersection of technology and politics.

Anne Applebaum discusses modern autocracies and how they undermine democracies. They talk about Putin's rise to power, the war in Ukraine, Trump's impact on American democracy, and the weaknesses of both Democrats and Republicans. They delve into the role of social media, the dangers of political lies, and the influence of extremist ideologies in current politics.

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.

Join Anne Applebaum, a Staff writer for The Atlantic and a historian, as she delves into the multifaceted world of authoritarianism. She breaks down the characteristics of autocratic regimes and discusses how they erode individual rights and manipulate laws. Applebaum highlights the alarming shift toward autocracy in the U.S., emphasizing the need for civic engagement to combat modern propaganda. The conversation touches on the influence of technology and the dangers of polarizing political rhetoric that threaten democracy.

Sam Harris speaks with Anne Applebaum, David Frum, Barton Gellman, and George Packer about the ongoing threat to American democracy posed by Republican misinformation and disinformation regarding the 2020 Presidential Election and the attack on the Capitol on January 6th, 2021. If the Making Sense podcast logo in your player is BLACK, you can SUBSCRIBE to gain access to all full-length episodes at samharris.org/subscribe.   Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment you can make in life. That’s why Sam Harris created the Waking Up app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of life’s most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.

Anne Applebaum discusses the nature of modern autocracies, Putin's rise to power, Western enabling of autocracies, American democratic decline, anti-liberal tendencies, political effects of Trump's potential second term, challenges in American foreign policy, radicalization of Trump's support, erosion of democracy, impact of social media on promoting chaos and conspiracy theories.

Anne Applebaum, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Atlantic staff writer, dives deep into the alarming intersection of technology and governance. She highlights Elon Musk’s unprecedented influence over U.S. policy and likens his actions to those of authoritarian regimes. The conversation raises ethical dilemmas for government officials pressured to conform. Applebaum also warns about the implications for U.S. soft power, particularly regarding USAID's role in promoting democracy abroad, amidst rising authoritarianism and challenges in social media regulation.

Anne Applebaum, an Atlantic staff writer focusing on democracy's threats, and political reporter McKay Coppins dive into the implications of a recent election that reshaped voter dynamics. They discuss the potential normalization of authoritarian impulses following Trump's victory. The conversation touches on demographic shifts among Latino and Black voters and the likelihood of electoral mandates affecting governance. They also explore challenges facing U.S. foreign policy amid rising autocracies and the pervasive issue of disinformation eroding public trust.

Anne Applebaum, a foreign policy writer from The Atlantic and expert on authoritarian regimes, joins Frank Foer, also a writer from The Atlantic focused on international affairs. Together, they delve into the aftermath of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, discussing its regional consequences. They explore the U.S. military's role in the Middle East, the impact of Trump's presidency on global alliances, and the ongoing struggles in Ukraine against Putin's aggression. Their insights reveal the intricate web of geopolitical dynamics shaping our world today.

Martin Wolf and Anne Applebaum discuss the global rise of populist, illiberal, and far-right parties, focusing on Poland's political shifts. They analyze the stakes of a potential second term for Donald Trump in the US presidency and emphasize the importance of defending liberal democracy. The episode delves into the challenges of restoring neutrality in democratic institutions and the implications of authoritarian responses in different countries.