Guest: Erica Frantz, Michigan State University Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shows how the incentives and views of dangerous leaders drive world events. The efficacy of the international community's response depends on how regimes like Russia's work. Erica Frantz finds that personalist regimes like Russia are more likely to initiate conflicts and suffer from misperceptions in a close inner circle. Putin’s actions follow authoritarian patterns elsewhere. This conversational edition features research and commentary on the war, the sanctions, the behavior of other regimes like China, the global implications of the rise in personalist authoritarianism, and the direction of research on harder-to-observe countries.

In a captivating discussion, Erica Frantz, an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University and expert on authoritarian politics, explores the potential consequences if Xi Jinping dies in office. They delve into the complexities of leadership succession in authoritarian systems, revealing how a lack of proper planning can lead to instability. Historical examples illustrate that while many regimes endure post-leader death, significant political change is rare. Frantz also examines the current dynamics in China, emphasizing the impact of centralized power on governance.

Kori Schake, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and Erica Frantz, a Political Science expert from Michigan State University, dive into the recent shake-ups in military leadership under the Trump administration. They discuss the unprecedented mass firings and the potential risks of politicizing military advice, which could undermine democracy and national security. The conversation also explores the implications for U.S. foreign policy and the integrity of civil-military relations, raising alarms about the future of democracy in the U.S.