Plain English with Derek Thompson The Bad Guys Are Winning
Dec 3, 2021
In a gripping conversation, Anne Applebaum, a Staff Writer at The Atlantic and expert on global democracy, explores the disturbing rise of authoritarianism in places like Russia, China, and even the U.S. She discusses the emerging 'Autocracy, Inc.' network, where dictators collaborate to quash democratic movements. Applebaum highlights Turkey's shifting stance on the Uyghur community due to economic ties with China and examines how social media fuels illiberalism. The urgency for reform in American democracy is emphasized as autocratic tactics grow more prevalent.
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Russia's Motivation
- Russia aims to prevent successful democratic movements near its borders.
- Putin fears a similar uprising and the exposure of his regime's corruption.
China's Influence in Turkey
- Turkey, under pressure from Chinese investments, suppressed its Uyghur community.
- This demonstrates China's growing economic and political leverage worldwide.
China's Global Narrative Control
- China prioritizes controlling the narrative about itself globally.
- They invest in media and pressure entities to avoid criticism of their actions in Xinjiang or Hong Kong.