From Russia to China: Autocracy, Inc. author Anne Applebaum reveals how modern autocrats create a new world order by working together against democracy.

What We Discuss with Anne Applebaum:

• Modern autocracies form opportunistic networks rather than ideological blocs, collaborating through financial interests, technology sharing, and mutual support against democratic ideals — despite having different political systems.


• Russia's invasion of Ukraine represents a deliberate challenge to international law and norms, with Putin demonstrating he can violate conventions without consequences.


• China's surveillance technology has evolved to potentially predict political dissent by combining online monitoring, real-world tracking, and AI analysis — and this technology is being exported to other authoritarian regimes.


• The decline of democracy is typically gradual, often taking decades as institutions are slowly undermined, while many citizens may not realize their democracy is eroding until it becomes impossible to elect alternative leadership.


• Citizens can strengthen democracy through active local engagement: participating in local politics, joining community organizations, and building real-world connections across political divides. This practical involvement in addressing concrete local issues helps counter online polarization and maintain democratic resilience.


• And much more...

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