Anne Applebaum on the State of Democracy
Anne Applebaum, the American-Polish author and journalist, divides her time between the US and Poland, two nations grappling with the evolving landscape of democracy. Her perspective, shaped by her extensive research on authoritarianism and democratic backsliding, offers a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing the free world. In a recent interview, Applebaum addressed the implications of Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the global rise of autocracies, and the imperative for democracies to reaffirm their values and defend their institutions.
Applebaum refrains from predicting Trump’s precise actions, acknowledging his unpredictable nature and contradictory statements. However, she emphasizes that his victory resonates most strongly within liberal democracies, given his skepticism towards alliances and international organizations. She argues that Trump’s disengagement from global leadership creates an opportunity for Europe, potentially in collaboration with Asian democracies, to champion democratic values. This could involve joint efforts to support Ukraine, combat kleptocracy, and counter Russian and Chinese propaganda.
The year 2024, marked by elections in over 60 countries, has been dubbed a pivotal year for democracy. Applebaum’s recent book, "Autocracy Inc.," sheds light on the interconnected networks of autocratic leaders who, despite their diverse backgrounds, share a common adversary in the democratic world. She highlights the role of corruption, how autocrats circumvent sanctions, and the use of disinformation to destabilize democracies. Applebaum emphasizes that a key motivator for many autocratic leaders, from Putin to Maduro, is financial gain rather than ideology, contrasting them with 20th-century autocrats like Hitler and Stalin. However, she acknowledges the heterogeneity within the autocratic world, noting the influence of religious ideologies in countries like Iran.
Addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine, Applebaum warns against diminishing support, arguing that a Russian takeover of Kyiv would be far more costly than continued aid. She dismisses calls for negotiations and territorial concessions, pointing out that Putin’s objective remains the annihilation of Ukraine as an independent state. Applebaum also criticizes the US for undermining international norms by failing to ratify numerous treaties and conventions. While acknowledging US transgressions, she cautions against drawing false equivalencies with Russia, emphasizing the vastly different scale of their actions.
The rise of autocracies and their appeal among certain segments of democratic populations, especially young people, raises questions about the perceived failures of liberal democracies. Applebaum argues against overestimating the effectiveness of autocratic regimes, emphasizing their inherent fragility and their inability to sustain long-term economic growth, with the exception of China. She also cautions against overstating popular support for autocrats, citing the rapid decline in support for Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Furthermore, Applebaum highlights the changing information landscape, arguing that the traditional model of journalism, where reporters gather and verify information, no longer reflects how people consume news. This fragmentation, she contends, hinders the functioning of democracies by disrupting shared understanding of problems and potential solutions.
Despite her concerns, Applebaum maintains a cautious optimism, drawing inspiration from figures like Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader who continues to mobilize the democratic movement despite facing repression and violence. Applebaum’s cautious optimism underscores the importance of resilience and continued engagement in the face of democratic challenges. She believes that the ability of individuals like Machado to persevere in the face of adversity should inspire those in liberal democracies to reject pessimism and remain actively committed to defending democratic values. Applebaum’s insights offer a valuable framework for understanding the complexities of the current global political landscape and the ongoing struggle between democracy and autocracy.
