Autocracy in America

Molly White, a software engineer and crypto expert, joins Brandon LaRocque, a small-business owner who lost his life savings in an XRP hack. They delve into the precarious nature of the unregulated crypto industry and its direct links to political corruption. White highlights the staggering $80 billion lost to crypto frauds, while LaRocque shares his harrowing experience with the lack of recourse in the face of such losses. They also discuss how cryptocurrencies can facilitate foreign influence and the implications for future elections.

George Retes, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran, shares his chilling experience of being detained by ICE for three days without explanation. Margy O’Herron and Liza Goitein from the Brennan Center delve into the implications of ICE functioning as a national police force, backed by the National Guard. They discuss the increase in funding, the culture of impunity among agents, and the potential risks to democratic norms and civic engagement as military presence at polling places grows. Their insights reveal alarming consequences for both immigrants and citizens.

The Trump administration is making radical, unprecedented changes to American institutions. By doing so, it is seeking to transform the American political system as well. To explain Donald Trump’s project, and to talk about where it might be going, The Atlantic’s Anne Applebaum is returning to host a new season of Autocracy in America. She’ll introduce listeners to Americans whose lives were changed during the administration’s first year, and will ask historians, analysts, and political scientists how new laws and policies might affect the midterm elections in November.  Coming January 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Admiral Bill McRaven, a retired U.S. Navy four-star admiral famous for leading the mission that killed Osama bin Laden, joins Garry Kasparov to discuss America's role in defending democracy. They dive into whether America is still viewed as a beacon of freedom and the importance of maintaining strong alliances. McRaven emphasizes the military's apolitical role and the ethical boundaries that keep the armed forces away from partisan politics. He advocates for civic engagement, urging citizens to actively participate in democracy.

Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia and Stanford professor, shares his insights on authoritarianism and democracy. He reflects on his experiences during Putin's rise and draws alarming parallels with the Trump administration's tactics. McFaul discusses how oligarchs facilitated Putin's power grab and warns Americans about the erosion of democratic norms. Despite the serious threats posed, he offers a glimmer of hope for renewal in the democratic landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Bret Stephens, a New York Times columnist and author of the 2017 Renew Democracy Initiative manifesto, shares insights on the current threats to American democracy. He reflects on his early warnings about Trump and emphasizes the need for a more pragmatic approach towards Trump supporters. Bret and Garry Kasparov explore the rise of illiberal politics and the importance of civil discourse. They envision a potential political realignment that could pave the way for a stronger liberal party, igniting hope for the future of democracy in the U.S.

Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor to President Biden, shares his insights on the fragile state of democracies worldwide. He discusses the need for cooperation among political rivals to combat authoritarianism. They dive into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy towards Russia and the importance of supporting Ukraine. Sullivan emphasizes balancing international aid with domestic interests and warns against American isolationism. Together, they explore the challenges facing Biden's reelection and the necessity of unity in defending democratic values.

Garry Kasparov chats with Gary Marcus, a cognitive scientist and AI researcher known for his critical insights on AI hype. They explore the balance between AI's potential benefits and risks, emphasizing that AI is merely a tool in human hands. Topics include the misperception of AI as understanding complex contexts and the ethical implications of its integration into society. They stress the importance of accountability in AI usage and the need for public awareness to prevent technological authoritarianism.

Join Garry Kasparov and Oleksandra Matviichuk, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning head of Ukraine's Center for Civil Liberties, as they delve into Ukraine's fierce battle for freedom against Russian oppression. They discuss the chilling realities of occupation, including grave crimes against civilians. Matviichuk shares poignant stories of those affected, urging global awareness. Their conversation also critiques Western foreign policy and emphasizes the need for collective action against tyranny, spotlighting Ukraine's resilience and identity in the face of adversity.

Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen, a chess grandmaster and former speaker of the Lithuanian parliament, shares her insights on the evolving political landscape. She discusses Lithuania’s pivotal role in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, emphasizing the urgency for stronger European security measures. The conversation highlights her transition from chess to politics, showcasing how strategic thinking applies to both arenas. Additionally, they explore the complex relationship between Eastern Europe and the U.S. in fostering democracy amid rising authoritarianism.