Anne Applebaum and Containment Strategy

In her latest work, "Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World," historian and journalist Anne Applebaum draws parallels between contemporary autocracies and the historical context of Soviet power as articulated by diplomat George Kennan in 1947. Kennan's concept of "containment" highlighted the Kremlin's perception of a hostile outside world, which justified its oppressive regime. Applebaum argues that today's autocratic leaders, from Russia to Venezuela, collaborate to undermine global democracy and international law established post-World War II. Applebaum contends that these modern autocracies differ significantly from their predecessors. Rather than being ideologically driven, they function more like corporations, focused solely on maintaining their wealth and power. This shift marks a departure from the ideological battles of the past, as these regimes prioritize personal gain over any political doctrine. The author emphasizes that this new breed of autocracy poses a unique challenge to democratic nations, particularly the United States and its allies. The book critiques the simplistic view of power dynamics, suggesting that the complexities of modern governance are often overlooked. Applebaum's portrayal of autocrats as a unified front against democracy presents a stark warning about the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of coordinated authoritarian efforts. Ultimately, "Autocracy, Inc." serves as a call to recognize and respond to the evolving nature of global autocracy, urging a reevaluation of strategies to protect democratic values in an increasingly hostile world.