How Today's Dictators Act Like Companies

In her latest analysis, Anne Applebaum contends that the current global struggle is not a resurgence of the Cold War but rather a confrontation with what she terms “Autocracy, Inc.” This loosely connected coalition of authoritarian regimes, ranging from theocracies to monarchies, operates with corporate-like efficiency. Applebaum highlights the alarming dynamics of international relations, particularly China's tacit support for Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine and President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to North Korea, which the U.S. alleges is supplying arms to Russia. Applebaum argues that these autocratic leaders aim to undermine democracy by fostering cynicism about its viability. Their strategy is not to convince citizens that autocracy is superior but to instill doubt about democracy's strength, portraying it as weak and divided. This narrative has been weaponized by Moscow, especially following its aggressive actions in Ukraine, and has broader implications for global stability. The author emphasizes the need for democratic nations to counteract these trends by making it more challenging for corrupt leaders to hide their wealth abroad. She suggests that, in a complex geopolitical landscape, democracies may need to engage with corrupt regimes to achieve larger strategic objectives. The lessons learned from Europe’s dependence on Russian gas serve as a cautionary tale, with potential parallels in the U.S. reliance on critical minerals. In her concise book, Applebaum calls for a reevaluation of strategies to combat the rise of autocracy and to reinforce democratic values in the face of growing global challenges.