Autocracy in America

Robert Worth, an Atlantic contributing writer who covered federal agent tactics in Minneapolis and protests worldwide, discusses militarized surveillance and policing. He compares U.S. tactics to those used in Egypt and Hong Kong. Conversations cover how protesters organized, used phone videos, and how federal presence affected civic participation and policy responses.

Dawn Baldwin Gibson, a North Carolina pastor who had her 2024 ballot challenged, shares the fear and local organizing behind that challenge. Stacey Abrams, voting-rights activist and Fair Fight founder, discusses systemic voter suppression, redistricting for outcomes, new ID hurdles, intimidation at polls, and state-level strategies to defend voting rights.

Kathleen Walters, a former IRS privacy chief who resigned rather than break the law. Don Moynihan, a University of Michigan public policy professor who studies civil service and reform. They discuss principled resignation over data requests. They trace the history of merit-based hiring, recent politicized hiring practices, mass departures and legal routes for firings, and threats to public services and elections.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a history professor and author of *Strongmen*, shares her insights on how authoritarian leaders attack institutions to maintain power. She discusses the alarming trend of undermining trust in science and culture, using examples like the Trump administration's funding cuts. Joan Brugge, a cancer researcher, recounts the personal impact of losing federal support for her life-saving work. Together, they illuminate the larger narrative of how these tactics serve autocratic ends, affecting democracy and essential knowledge.

Molly White, a software engineer and crypto expert, joins Brandon LaRocque, a small-business owner who lost his life savings in an XRP hack. They delve into the precarious nature of the unregulated crypto industry and its direct links to political corruption. White highlights the staggering $80 billion lost to crypto frauds, while LaRocque shares his harrowing experience with the lack of recourse in the face of such losses. They also discuss how cryptocurrencies can facilitate foreign influence and the implications for future elections.

George Retes, a U.S. citizen and Army veteran, shares his chilling experience of being detained by ICE for three days without explanation. Margy O’Herron and Liza Goitein from the Brennan Center delve into the implications of ICE functioning as a national police force, backed by the National Guard. They discuss the increase in funding, the culture of impunity among agents, and the potential risks to democratic norms and civic engagement as military presence at polling places grows. Their insights reveal alarming consequences for both immigrants and citizens.

The Trump administration is making radical, unprecedented changes to American institutions. By doing so, it is seeking to transform the American political system as well. To explain Donald Trump’s project, and to talk about where it might be going, The Atlantic’s Anne Applebaum is returning to host a new season of Autocracy in America. She’ll introduce listeners to Americans whose lives were changed during the administration’s first year, and will ask historians, analysts, and political scientists how new laws and policies might affect the midterm elections in November.  Coming January 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Admiral Bill McRaven, a retired U.S. Navy four-star admiral famous for leading the mission that killed Osama bin Laden, joins Garry Kasparov to discuss America's role in defending democracy. They dive into whether America is still viewed as a beacon of freedom and the importance of maintaining strong alliances. McRaven emphasizes the military's apolitical role and the ethical boundaries that keep the armed forces away from partisan politics. He advocates for civic engagement, urging citizens to actively participate in democracy.

Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia and Stanford professor, shares his insights on authoritarianism and democracy. He reflects on his experiences during Putin's rise and draws alarming parallels with the Trump administration's tactics. McFaul discusses how oligarchs facilitated Putin's power grab and warns Americans about the erosion of democratic norms. Despite the serious threats posed, he offers a glimmer of hope for renewal in the democratic landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Bret Stephens, a New York Times columnist and author of the 2017 Renew Democracy Initiative manifesto, shares insights on the current threats to American democracy. He reflects on his early warnings about Trump and emphasizes the need for a more pragmatic approach towards Trump supporters. Bret and Garry Kasparov explore the rise of illiberal politics and the importance of civil discourse. They envision a potential political realignment that could pave the way for a stronger liberal party, igniting hope for the future of democracy in the U.S.