In a world grappling with the erosion of democratic values, Anne Applebaum's latest book, "Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World," offers a timely analysis of contemporary authoritarianism. Published in July 2024, this work provides crucial insights into the evolving nature of autocratic regimes and their global impact.
Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and staff writer at The Atlantic, draws on her extensive experience as a historian and journalist to dissect the complex networks that sustain modern autocracies. Her analysis reveals a stark contrast between today's authoritarian systems and the stereotypical image of lone dictators ruling through brute force.
The book argues that contemporary autocracies are characterized by two key features:
- Lack of overarching ideology
- Reliance on sophisticated networks
Unlike the communist regimes of the Cold War era, which ended approximately 33 years ago, today's autocrats prioritize power accumulation and personal enrichment over ideological goals. This shift explains seemingly paradoxical phenomena such as China's socialist capitalism or Venezuela's "Bolivarian revolution."
Applebaum emphasizes the intricate web of connections that modern autocrats cultivate both domestically and internationally. These networks, cemented through deals rather than ideals, involve like-minded supporters, other authoritarian leaders, and Western enablers. This global collaboration presents significant challenges for pro-democracy activists worldwide.
The author critically examines the West's role in enabling autocratic regimes. She traces the origins of Russian economic power to 1967 when European countries began collaborating with the Soviet Union on natural gas projects. Similarly, she scrutinizes the misguided belief that trade with China would lead to its integration into the democratic world.
"Despite all the debate about the economic impact that open borders might have on Western markets, almost no one spoke about the political impact on Western democracies."
Applebaum highlights various ways autocracies influence democratic societies:
- Corruption enabled by lax Western financial regulations
- Disinformation campaigns exploiting social divisions
- Undermining international institutions and human rights norms
- Technological surveillance and propaganda
The book offers recommendations for countering autocratic behaviors, emphasizing the need for democracies to build their own networks. These include coalitions of journalists and lawyers, enhanced military and intelligence collaboration, and legal reforms to combat kleptocracy.
While "Autocracy, Inc." provides valuable insights into the workings of modern authoritarianism, some critics argue that it could benefit from more nuanced historical analysis and detailed policy recommendations. Nevertheless, the book serves as an essential guide for understanding the complex challenges facing democracies in the 21st century.
As the global landscape continues to evolve, Applebaum's work underscores the urgent need for democratic societies to adapt their strategies and strengthen their defenses against the insidious spread of autocratic influence.