In this in-depth interview, Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and journalist Anne Applebaum joins us to discuss her latest book, Autocracy, Inc., a searing examination of the global alliance of autocratic regimes and the threats they pose to liberal democracies. Drawing from decades of reporting and research, Applebaum lays out how modern autocrats—from Russia and China to Hungary and Venezuela—collaborate, share tactics, and reinforce each other’s power in an effort to undermine the democratic world.

Applebaum explores how these regimes manipulate information, weaponize corruption, and suppress dissent—not only within their own borders but also through transnational networks that reach deep into Western democracies. We dive into the core arguments of Autocracy, Inc., including the erosion of democratic norms, the fragility of institutions under sustained pressure, and the growing complacency of the West.

The conversation also turns to a timely and urgent topic: the return of Donald Trump to the White House. Applebaum reflects on what a second Trump term means—not only for American democracy, but for the international political order as a whole. Will the U.S. continue to lead the democratic world? What message would it send to allies—and to autocrats? And how might America’s global role shift in an era of revived authoritarianism?

This conversation is a must-watch for anyone concerned about the future of freedom, rule of law, and global stability. Whether you’re familiar with Applebaum’s work or encountering her ideas for the first time, this interview offers profound insights into one of the defining struggles of our time: democracy versus autocracy.

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