Intelligence Squared The Age of the Strongman: Understanding Trump, with Anne Applebaum (Part Two)
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Oct 27, 2025 
Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian known for her insights on authoritarianism, joins host Gideon Rachman for a deep dive into Trump’s leadership style. They explore whether Trump fits the 'strongman' mold alongside global figures like Putin and Xi. Applebaum discusses Trump's admiration for authoritarian leaders and his potential to undermine democratic norms. They debate the impact of his administration on U.S. alliances and the likelihood of internal conflict within the MAGA movement. Is Trump more authoritarian than before? Applebaum's perspective sheds light on the unfolding drama.
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Putin Can Wait Out Inconsistent Support
- Putin's goal remains to destroy Ukrainian independence and he may wait out inconsistent U.S. backing.
- Trump’s impatience to 'win' and inconsistent diplomacy undermine predictable deterrence.
Autocrats Share Playbooks, Not Plots
- Autocrats share tactics, narratives, and learn from one another without a secret global conspiracy.
- They promote a shared message: strong autocracy versus weak, divisive democracy.
Isolationism Moved To The Center
- Trump's presidency has normalized isolationist and anti-alliance ideas and moved them from fringe to center.
- That constituency will influence U.S. foreign policy long after any single presidency.
