Anne Applebaum: Autocracy Is “Infecting U.S. Politics” | Amanpour and Company

In a momentous deal struck between Moscow and several Western nations, the biggest prisoner swap since the Cold War was concluded last week. Some 24 detainees were returned to their home soil, including American Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. Many of those released by Russia were opposition figures imprisoned for criticizing the Kremlin. In her new book, "Autocracy Inc.," journalist Anne Applebaum argues that many of today's dictators collaborate to help keep one another in power. She joins the show to discuss this phenomenon.

Originally aired on August 5, 2024

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Amanpour and Company features wide-ranging, in-depth conversations with global thought leaders and cultural influencers on the issues and trends impacting the world each day, from politics, business and technology to arts, science and sports. Christiane Amanpour leads the conversation on global and domestic news from London with contributions by prominent journalists Walter Isaacson, Michel Martin, Alicia Menendez and Hari Sreenivasan from the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City.

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[punampatelgrewal]

Unity, not immunity
Democracy, not autocracy
Sanity, not vanity
Voting, not hoping

[SandiTink]

Autocracy has already infected our politics.

[carolyn]

"The lack of transparency in the political world is dangerous. We should start by cleaning up our own act" Applebaum.

[johntucker]

Anne Applebaum is just excellent in her analysis. One thing to note: Autocrats prefer fellow autocratic governments because they are easier to buy off and manipulate, as opposed to a country which has more dispersed power centers and an unpredictable democratic process. It isn't about common principles per se but about the ability to control.

[JustAnotherGoddess]

Anne Applebaum is a hero! Thank you so much for having her on your show.

[leannevandekew]

In the cult of personality, believing in stupid things is how Trump supporters show their loyalty.

[allthewayfrom]

Today’s GOP wants autocracy. Whenever a GOP member goes on television and wants to talk about policies, whoever is interviewing them should ask them something more fundamental: why do you support undemocratic policies? Please don’t debate policy when one side (the GOP) wants to dismantle the republic itself.

[telepheasa]

A Republic if we can keep it....that is the autocrats are ready to take over unless the American people take action!

[leannevandekew]

These autocracies depend on a cult of personality.

[loca]

Am I the only one who sees where the US is headed, if not close to being there? Run by billionaires, rule of law of one or control of judiciary, etc.

[leejones]

Republicans want The Handmaids Tale. One of the best series I've ever watched

[wjhrazorsedge]

Anne Applebaum thank you for your books. I ordered Autrocracy Inc. & read it. I went to my public library & found your book "Iron Curtain". So important.

[renee-mariekrugkrug]

What an appropriate name for this study. I am reading "Autocracy Inc., " by Pullizer Prize winning Author Anne Applebaum. All true and an ominious warning. for the Unite States.

[e.]

Just remember that America's moral high ground was never as high as its aspirational high ground. And it has been eroding quite a bit.

[andreahanson-cruz]

Bought the book yesterday. Can’t wait to read it.

[apollointhedark]

2300 years ago. In his book "Politics" Aristotle predicted that Democracies turn to rule by Oligarchs and this is what has happened to the USA

[jamesmf]

I’m happy to see Anne Applebaum making the rounds so much these days, she has some of the more interesting takes among the commentariat.

[mikeklein]

Their shared ideology is supporting autocrats. Autocracies are personality driven so autocrats as individuals see it in their personal interests to support each other, no matter what ideological brand they choose to cloak themselves with.

[phuzzywuzzyabear]

Evil makes happiness look stupid and corrupts beauty.

[johndillon]

Let's not be the next dictator nation. vote for Kamla Harris