Autocracy, Inc

All of us often think of autocratic states through a cartoonish lens, imagining a singular villainous figure at the helm. However, in Autocracy, Inc, the celebrated historian and journalist Anne Applebaum reveals a far more intricate and menacing reality that defines modern-day autocracies. In the 21st century, autocracies are no longer the domains of solitary despots but are managed by sophisticated networks comprising kleptocratic financial entities, security apparatuses, and professional propagandists.

These elaborate networks transcend national borders, forming alliances that are both highly transactional and alarmingly effective. Corrupt, state-controlled enterprises from one dictatorship seamlessly conduct business with those in another. Police forces are trained and equipped by their counterparts from similarly oppressive states. Propaganda machines share both resources and narratives—troll farms that champion one dictator's rhetoric can just as easily bolster another's, all the while disseminating uniform messages that aim to depict democracy as feeble and America as malevolent.

This collaborative entity, which Applebaum aptly calls Autocracy, Inc, does not function like traditional military or political alliances bound by common values. Instead, its relationships are purely transactional, allowing these autocratic regimes to navigate and converge across diverse ideological, geographical, and cultural landscapes. Their unity stems from a mutual disdain for the democratic world and a collective ambition to subvert our political systems and values.

Autocracy, Inc delves into the origins and persistence of this autocratic network. Applebaum meticulously illustrates how these regimes have been inadvertently bolstered by the democratic world and offers keen insights into strategies for dismantling their influence. This compelling exploration is not merely a call to awareness but a blueprint for action, as it navigates the complexities of how democracies can counteract and ultimately diminish the power of autocratic regimes.

A versatile and vital read, Autocracy, Inc stands as a rigorous examination of contemporary global politics, shedding light on an insidious force that threatens to undermine democratic values worldwide. Anne Applebaum’s incisive analysis urges readers to understand the true nature of modern autocracies and empowers them to envision a path towards a more robust and resilient democratic future.