Autocracy, Inc.

Book "Autocracy, Inc." by Anne Applebaum provides a searing look at contemporary autocratic regimes and their global impact. Applebaum, an acclaimed historian and journalist, examines how modern autocrats have been able to join forces to secure their power and spread their values at the expense of democratic principles. Operating on the principles of kleptocracy, brutal repression, and international cooperation, these regimes create powerful networks that protect them from outside pressure. From China to Russia, autocratic states provide each other with political, economic and technological support, thereby ensuring their influence on the global stage. The book offers the reader an insightful and often disturbing look at how these modern autocrats seek to undermine democratic values, creating a world where freedom and human rights take a back seat to the pragmatic maintenance of power.

The first key idea of "Autocracy, Inc." focuses on the concept of interconnected networks of power that modern autocratic regimes use to maintain and strengthen their influence. These networks are not just about national politics; they are global mechanisms that manipulate financial markets, the media or security services internationally. While the dictators of the last century focused mainly on internal control, today's autocrats have adapted to the era of the internet, the sharing economy and global communications. One example of this phenomenon is the connection between Russia and other autocratic regimes such as China and Saudi Arabia. While the Kremlin relies on propaganda disseminated through media such as RT (Russia Today), China uses technology companies to spread surveillance technologies to other countries. In 2020, when several African states introduced surveillance systems to monitor their populations, it was China's Huawei that provided them with the necessary technology. This is how the wave of surveillance, control and at the same time interconnection between autocratic states is spreading. Modern autocrats also rely on financial mechanisms that allow them to circumvent sanctions and international restrictions. A great example is the system of 'dark money' - silent finance that moves between countries through anonymous accounts, cryptocurrencies or elaborate offshore structures. In this way, dictators can circumvent sanctions and ensure that their personal wealth is untouchable. These links are not just political or financial. They are also psychological: they support each other and reinforce each other's legitimacy. When Russian President Vladimir Putin openly criticises Western democracy, he receives support not only from countries such as Iran, but also from populist movements in Europe that are also beginning to question democratic values. The result of this cooperation is a kind of 'autocratic international', a network in which powerful people share resources, information and technology in order to secure their position. Applebaum likens this situation to a kind of global club of autocrats who help each other out in difficult times, whether by financing campaigns or providing protection from international laws. In this way, these powerful individuals are creating a network that is not visible on the surface, but its effects are felt around the world - from media regulation to control of free speech.

The second key idea discusses kleptocracy as a fundamental operating principle of modern autocratic regimes. In these regimes, it is a system where power is concentrated in the hands of a small elite who uninhibitedly use state resources for their own enrichment. This is not just about corruption - a kleptocracy is a well-organised system that has clear rules, secured through laws, authorities and often direct cooperation with foreign institutions. In many autocratic countries we find examples of family dynasties gaining control over state resources and companies. Take Azerbaijan, for example, where the Aliyev family controls not only politics but also the most important economic sectors. This power is used to acquire immense wealth, which is often stored in foreign banks or invested in real estate in metropolises such as London or Paris. The kleptocratic system allows autocrats to retain the loyalty of key allies through a share of the wealth. In Russia, this system is known as the "vertical of power," where the highest officials of the state distribute wealth among their closest allies, who then function as loyal minions of the regime. In the event of disobedience or treason, the assets of these individuals can be immediately frozen, as happened to Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who was stripped of his Yukos company and subsequently imprisoned. The system operates like a circle of loyalty, where each member of the oligarchy has his position guaranteed in exchange for obedience and support for the ruling power. This form of 'state enterprise' creates a situation where the state no longer serves its citizens, but serves the interests of the individuals who have usurped power. Citizens are thus marginalised; while the elites benefit, they are increasingly reduced to poverty and social oppression. Kleptocracy also creates an interesting irony: autocrats often use the rhetoric of protecting the state from "Western influence" or "imperialism," but they themselves use Western financial systems and legal structures to protect their assets. British banks, Swiss accounts and investments in tax havens are crucial for autocrats to maintain their kleptocratic empires. This interconnectedness of kleptocrats on a global level allows their assets to become virtually untouchable and their power almost indestructible.

The third key idea points to a surprising but strategic cooperation among autocratic states at the global level. These countries, though geographically and culturally distinct, have found ways to support each other's regimes, trade, and provide diplomatic support. Seemingly divergent interests turn into synergy when a common goal is at stake - to undermine democratic values and impose an alternative order. We can see this in practice in the example of the international trade in arms and technology. In Syria, during the civil war, Russia and Iran supplied arms and military advisers to support the Bashar Assad regime, thus maintaining their influence in the Middle East while sending a clear signal about the strength of autocratic alliances. But such partnerships go beyond military aid - they often include support for energy, infrastructure and financial transactions. Similarly, in Africa, China is expanding its influence through the 'Belt and Road', an infrastructure project that offers autocratic countries soft loans to build roads, railways or ports. Although these loans often lead to economic dependence on China, government officials welcome them as an alternative to Western loans, which are often conditional on respect for human rights and democratic standards. Cooperation also manifests itself in the sharing of know-how and technology for population control. In recent years, China and Russia have exported surveillance and censorship technologies to a number of African and Asian states. These systems, capable of monitoring communications and restricting access to the Internet, help autocrats to control information, suppress protests and prevent the emergence of opposition movements. Autocratic states also support each other diplomatically, for example by blocking criticism of each other in international organisations. When the UN voted on China's human rights abuses, many autocratic regimes sided with China, making restrictive measures impossible. In this way, international blocs are formed that weaken the influence of democratic countries. This cooperation is based on the principle of mutual benefit and solidarity against common 'enemies' - in particular, the West and its values. Autocratic regimes thus form a kind of alternative global alliance that provides a counterbalance to traditional Western alliances. The result is a world in which democracies have to constantly come to terms with the fact that their values and principles are being challenged not only at home, but also by a growing autocratic coalition on the global stage.

The fourth key idea focuses on the resilience of modern autocrats to international criticism and their willingness to use open brutality to maintain power. Whereas in the past dictators tended to hide repressive acts or at least pretend to respect basic human rights, today's autocrats often do not even try to hide their actions. Being open about repression has become their new strategy and a symbol of power to intimidate any opposition. The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 is an example of this unrelenting brutality. The Saudi regime did not bother to cover up its actions, even in the face of evidence and international pressure for an investigation. This incident showed that autocrats are willing to cross all boundaries when it comes to removing critical voices, and that they are not afraid of international repercussions. The brutality of today's autocrats goes hand in hand with sophisticated tools to monitor and control citizens. Thanks to modern technologies such as biometric data, facial recognition systems and the monitoring of Internet communications, they are able to control citizens more than ever before. Such a system is in place in China, for example, where every step an individual takes is monitored and evaluated through a "social credit system." At the same time, autocrats rely on a global network of loyal supporters to bolster their internal and external defenses. These supporters, often wealthy oligarchs or influential businessmen, help them circumvent international sanctions and secure the resources needed to maintain the regime. An example of this is the cooperation between Russia and some European businessmen who do business with Russian oligarchs, even though Russia is under international sanctions. International criticism or condemnation does not usually have a serious impact on these regimes because their leaders are aware that economic sanctions or diplomatic pressure are often not enough to substantially weaken their power. Their approach is based on the belief that the international community has neither the tools nor the resolve to intervene. The autocrats of our time are thus creating a system in which brutality, modern technology and an international network of influential supporters act as a solid backbone for their power. No matter how much pressure the democratic world exerts, these regimes have so far successfully faced criticism and pursued their interests regardless of the consequences, demonstrating their unshakeable position on the global stage.

The final key idea of "Autocracy, Inc." focuses on the challenge that modern autocracies pose to democracies around the world. Anne Applebaum emphasizes that while democracies often rely on ideals such as human rights and justice, autocratic regimes use realpolitik and pragmatic approaches that allow them to respond quickly and effectively to threats. This divergence in approaches means that democracies are ill-prepared to counter this new wave of autocratic influence-seeking. One of the main weaknesses of democracies is their susceptibility to internal divisions and political polarisation, which autocrats can easily exploit. Through disinformation campaigns and support for populist movements in democratic countries, autocrats create an environment in which citizens become increasingly sceptical of democratic institutions and values. This sowing of doubt, as we have seen in the case of interference in the US elections or Brexit, destabilises democracies from within. Another problem is the tendency of democracies to rely on slow diplomatic mechanisms and international institutions, which are often ineffective in the face of swift and ruthless action by autocrats. When Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, for example, the West responded mainly with diplomatic moves and sanctions, but these did not prevent Moscow from achieving its goal. On the contrary, the Russians used this weak response to strengthen domestic patriotism and consolidate power. Applebaum also points out that democracies must learn to function in a new global context where autocrats are forging alliances that provide them with both security and economic advantages. Security cooperation between China and Russia or trade agreements with countries such as Venezuela and Iran are examples of how autocrats work together to protect their interests, which weakens democratic states. One of the challenges facing democratic countries is the need to reform and strengthen their internal stability and resilience to external influences. This means not only combating disinformation, but also strengthening citizens' trust in democratic institutions and processes. Applebaum argues that this is the only way democracies can counter autocratic regimes that constantly seek to undermine their legitimacy and position. Ultimately, this idea is a revival of a well-known truth: democracy is not a given and needs active protection. Autocracies pose a clear and growing threat to the modern world, which democratic countries must confront not only politically, but also culturally and ideologically.

"Autocracy, Inc.." is a warning of a world that is moving from the ideals of democracy to the dominance of autocratic values. Applebaum makes clear that democracies find themselves in a struggle for their future where it is not enough to rely on the traditional tools of diplomacy and public criticism. Autocratic regimes use modern technology, trade alliances and the sowing of distrust to weaken democratic states, while their inability to respond quickly and decisively only strengthens them. The book calls for a rethinking of the approach to the defence of democracy, which requires not only new political strategies but also a strengthening of citizens' trust in the system. Applebaum reminds us that defending democracy is not the task of one nation, but of a global community that must be willing to defend the core values of freedom, justice and solidarity. Do you have feedback for us? We'd love it if you let us know your opinion on our content! Just send an email to feedback@rewio.app with the title of this book in the subject line and share your impressions!