Masha Gessen: 'The GOP Has Turned Into an Autocratic Party' | Amanpour and Company

As the world waits for a formal transition to begin, what separates President Trump’s behavior from that of the average autocrat? Masha Gessen is a Russian-American journalist who has been writing about authoritarianism for two decades. Their latest book, "Surviving Autocracy," makes the case that Trump’s presidency has endangered American democracy and the world’s faith in it. Gessen speaks with Michel Martin about all this -- and the road ahead.

Originally aired on November 11, 2020.

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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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[newts-gaming]

Wow, this author speaks with amazing clarity. Going to buy the book.

[JC-lssp]

Gessen is right. We need to address what happened. Let's not just move on, or we are doomed.

[lisabonanno]

More Masha, please! This is valuable insight!

[judgegixxer]

Everything she said is 100% on point. There has to be accountability, he can't just go golfing into the sunset.

[maynewell]

In my 35 years in the work force I have learned the hard way, that letting sleeping dogs lie will bite you in the ass.

[vaunniethayer]

I totally agree that the real concern is the GOP....they are doing and have done nothing to stop trump.

[billsmith]

Spot on ! They ALL MUST be prosecuted ! That gang of thugs WILL be back ! Close the roach motel .

[dnwanja]

Just downloaded her audiobook. She's thorough, insightful and badass journalist 👏

[Beginstheman]

Wow. Talk about an insight as to why people go towards autocrats, that's enlightening. It should also be a warning for any democracy that we must be vigilant at all times.

[trroland]

This “vertical of power” concept has to be better understood.

[jamilah]

So good! Thank you for sharing her voice with us. Everyone needs to hear it

[raminagrobis]

Reagan and McCain would be horrified at the current state of the empty autocratic shell that the GOP has become in the hands of #45.

[oldreprobate]

This is why we the people need to stop calling our elected public servants our leaders, we the citizenry must take up that role. Insist on voting on everything, and then must register and vote, all of us.

[robotone]

Trump calls himself the "golden goose". He's partially correct. He is, in fact, the Golden Calf. The idol. The cult image. Worshipped by his followers. All committing the sin of idolatry and sacrificing their souls at his altar (Exodus 32:4).

[shavaunjohnson]

Every moment of this conversation was important. Thank you.

[beast]

Amazing interview! Masha was incredibly insightful and articulate. Absolutely agree with everything she said. Excellent questions! 👏🇺🇸

[donnabruton]

Oh I can’t wait for this to be over. What trump is doing is so dangerous for Americans.

[KerrieRedgate]

Masha is a brilliant socio-political analyst, commentator and author. Always a voice of laser-fine reason and clarity.

[margo]

She truly speaks the truth, we NEED a reckoning. These people have to pay for what they have put us all they walk away free it means that we really don't deserve anything better than what they put us

We need to forward this to every one on the Biden

[joandemmerritte]

Masha Gessen has spoken with much clarity on this disaster we are currently watching play out. Buying her book today!