Putin's Influence Threatens Western Democracy
- Author Anne Applebaum warns of the threat posed by Putin's influence on Western democracy.
- She highlights global leaders prioritizing personal gain over the common good, leading to potential collapse of democratic systems.
- In a discussion with John Kampfner, Applebaum emphasizes the urgent need to address this looming crisis.
In her latest work, "Autocracy, Inc: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World," Anne Applebaum emphasizes the precarious nature of democracy, asserting that its survival is not guaranteed and depends on collective action. She argues that current threats to democratic institutions stem from efforts to undermine civil society, dismantle checks and balances, and incite chaos. Applebaum reflects on her previous book, "Twilight of Democracy," where she expressed concern over the ease with which some individuals have embraced extremist ideologies. Applebaum warns that the United States may no longer serve as a leader among Western democracies, highlighting a lack of coherent security policy. Despite the challenges faced by Ukraine, she notes the resilience of its people in resisting Russian influence, indicating a steadfast commitment to sovereignty. Her skepticism towards Germany's approach to Russia remains, as she believes the country has been too lenient towards Putin's regime. In light of her critical stance on Western complacency regarding autocratic regimes, Applebaum expresses surprise and gratitude for receiving the annual Freedom Prize at the Frankfurt Book Fair. She recalls past discussions about the influence of Russian money in British politics, emphasizing the need for a stronger resolve to confront authoritarianism both in Ukraine and in the digital realm. Applebaum concludes with a sobering reminder that the struggle for democracy is ongoing, and there may never be a definitive moment of resolution.