Elisha and Casey talk with Jay Nordlinger, a senior editor at National Review and one of the leading writers covering the threats of modern dictatorship. They talk about Jay's focus on authoritarians across the political spectrum, the community of writers and activists trying to take down tyrants, and why the offspring of dictators aren't always what you expect. They also talk about the greatness of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

It's well-known at this point that Bitcoin has many uses, from the fun to the financial. But did you know Bitcoin can also help democratic movements flourish and find funding? Casey and Elisha talk with author and HRF Chief Strategy Officer Alex Gladstein about how Bitcoin has grown into a tool to fight dictatorships and how new technologies can help end tyranny. SHOW NOTES: Learn about HRF's Financial Freedom Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JBxBq8U1yI Learn about HRF's Bitcoin Development Fund: https://hrf.org/devfund Learn about the connection between Bitcoin & human rights: https://www.getbitcoin.org For a 101 on Bitcoin, visit: https://littlebitcoinbook.com To read Alex Gladstein's Book, "Check Your Financial Privilege": https://store.bitcoinmagazine.com/products/check-your-financial-privilege To read Alex Gladstein's book, "Hidden Repression": https://store.bitcoinmagazine.com/products/hidden-repression Learn about HRF's Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) tracker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSaMBQmrOqs

After her husband, human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, was assassinated in front of her, Swazi human rights defender Tanele Maseko picked up right where he left off: peacefully (and powerfully) speaking truth to power. In this episode, she talks with Casey and Elisha about the politics of Swaziland, Africa's last absolute monarchy, her husband's legacy, what she's doing as CEO of the Thulani Maseko Foundation, and gives us all the treat of a lifetime. You'll have to tune in to hear it, though. To listen to Tanele read Thulani Maseko's letter: "Greetings from cell G4": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOjQHUF388c

Casey and Elisha talk with Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko about Ukraine’s upcoming anniversaries—both the 10-year anniversary of Ukraine’s successful democratic revolution and the two-year anniversary of Russia’s expanded invasion. They discuss how Ukrainians remain on the frontlines of the fight against dictatorship and why democracies must continue supporting Kyiv.  To watch Lisa Yasko's piano song on Barricades of Euromaidan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbGyoAul_vo

Discussing Taiwan's recent elections, the victory of the Democratic People's Party, the need for doubling down on democracy, and the implications for the island's future. Exploring Taiwanese identity, political alliances, diplomacy, and the emerging parties shaping the political landscape.

Casey and Elisha sit down with HRF's Claudia Bennett, talking about the role of the fashion industry in propping up dictators. They discuss how the cotton industry relies on forced labor, and how consumers can find out where their clothes come from. They also talk about how the CCP targeted HRF's efforts to shine a light on Beijing's genocidal campaign against Uyghurs.  SHOW NOTES: 1. Learn about our Wear Your Values program: https://hrf.org/programs/wear-your-values/ 2. Download our Uyghur Forced Labor checker: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/uyghur-forced-labor-check/ejodaepockllkcloibcchpjnfoopincp 3. Read this Bloomberg article about China's response to our checker: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-08-24/google-axes-bad-reviews-of-tracker-exposing-uyghur-forced-labor?srnd=premium&leadSource=uverify%20wall&mc_cid=0b6769941f&mc_eid=dcd85f94b2 4. Learn about the Coalition to End Forced Labor in The Uyghur Region: https://enduyghurforcedlabour.org 5. Learn about Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act: https://sourcingjournal.com/topics/sourcing/china-us-mexico-apparel-exports-uflpa-nearshoring-489814/  MORE ABOUT UYGHUR FORCED LABOR: 1. Jewher Ilham, Uyghur Advocate, Oslo Freedom Forum talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwUC1ocZme4 2. Kalbinur Sidik & Gulbahar Haitiwaji, Uyghur survivors, Oslo Freedom Forum talk: https://youtu.be/KFDMlCd_JvM ALSO MENTIONED: 1. Salma Al-Shehab, Dare to Dissent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2-0DXfCP80

Casey and Elisha talk about Casey's recent trip to Nairobi, and the latest on Russian and Chinese interference and corruption in Africa. They also discuss the latest on the frontlines of the fight for freedom in Ukraine. Plus, they talk about all the things crocodiles and dictatorships have in common. Show notes: Watch Casey Michel's talk at the Atlantic Council (Friday, Feb 2, @ 12:30 pm ET): https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/event/five-scenarios-for-russias-future/ Read Alex Gladstein's article at Bitcoin Magazine: https://bitcoinmagazine.com/check-your-financial-privilege/stranded-bitcoin-saving-wasted-energy-in-africa

With Casey off gallivanting halfway around the globe, Elisha is joined by HRF Chief Legal and Policy Officer Javier El-Hage. The two discuss Latin America's history with dictatorships, the many (and varying) shades of grey between left-wing and right-wing authoritarian regimes, and Javier's progression from a Che Guevara (myth) fan in college to a constitutional and international law professor and a defender of liberal democracies. Show notes: To read Javier's book: https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Javier-El-Hage-ebook/dp/B00WZQMQSG Other referenced books: Open Veins of Latin America by Edwardo Galeano: https://www.amazon.com/Open-Veins-Latin-America-Centuries/dp/0853459916 New York Times article about Edwardo Galeano disavowing his book: https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/24/books/eduardo-galeano-disavows-his-book-the-open-veins.html Guide to the Perfect Latin American Idiot (response to the book, Open Veins of Latin America, prefaced by Mario Vargas Llosa): https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/manual-del-perfecto-idiota-latinoamericano_plinio-apuley[…]sKHJmlo268kQ1Q2USO-J0MzelLs9Aqdl7lcHSwbgMYGSUMaAgVfEALw_wcB

Casey and Elisha dive into the world of foreign agents, looking at how kleptocratic regimes use foreign lobbyists to do their dirty work. They also chat about the recent winner of the Corrupt Person of the Year award. And, of course, they talk about the newest addition to their office: Harry Styles. Show notes: To read more about the indictment of Bob Menendez: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/bob-menendez-charges-not-guilty-plea/675774/ https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/bob-menendez-charges-not-guilty-plea/675774/ To learn more about OCCRP's "Person of the Year Awards": https://www.occrp.org/en/poy/

Casey and Elisha reunite after the holiday break, and Elisha brings with her catastrophic news: a mouse in her house. In the actually important segment, Elisha talks with Sebastien Lai, son of media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who is currently on trial in Hong Kong under Beijing's national security law for “colluding with foreign forces"—aka, speaking out for freedom and democracy and against the Chinese Communist Party. We also learn how a Hong Kong businessman became a French Knight. To learn more about Jimmy Lai: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/dec/25/trials-of-jimmy-lai/8:56 https://youtu.be/sf-qyxEIuHI?si=i5JcEqxSPT8GwxXU