Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World

In the Epilogue of Autocracy, Inc., Applebaum draws attention to the urgent need for a united democratic front to counter the rise of authoritarian regimes across the globe. By focusing on the idea of global solidarity in the defense of democracy and the evolving nature of autocratic influence, Applebaum frames the challenges and strategies she believes democracies must adopt to safeguard their values. In doing so, she calls for an end to The Complicity of Democratic Nations in Empowering Autocratic Regimes.

Applebaum’s central idea is the need for democracies to form a unified front in the face of authoritarian challenges. However, Applebaum stresses that, unlike during the Cold War era, she is not arguing for a democratic versus autocratic states confrontation: “There are no ‘blocs’ to join and no Berlin Walls marking neat geographic divides. Many countries don’t fit comfortably into either category, democracy or autocracy” (158). Instead, Applebaum believes that autocratic regimes support each other through transactional relationships, which makes them powerful but also vulnerable to change from the inside. Moreover, she argues that collaboration between countries is important at the global level, so she does not encourage separation as a strategy. Instead, she thinks that democratic activists should view themselves as part of a global movement, with supporters in all countries, including those that are currently ruled by autocrats.

By positioning democracy as a proactive, viable system that fosters human rights and transparency, Applebaum is attempting to create a positive narrative that resonates across borders, rather than merely reacting to autocratic threats. This shift is crucial, as it speaks to the larger idea that democracies must not only defend themselves but actively promote and expand the appeal of their values globally.

Moreover, Applebaum notes that modern autocracies have become increasingly sophisticated in their use of both financial and information networks to destabilize democracies. She highlights how regimes like Russia, China, and Iran manipulate these networks to foster extremism, spread disinformation, and undermine democratic processes in other nations. These tactics are far more complex and globalized than in the past, making it even more difficult for individual democracies to mount an effective defense.

A significant part of this evolution involves information warfare, which highlights The Use of Disinformation to Further Autocratic Interests. Applebaum points out that autocracies have mastered the art of spreading disinformation and conspiracy theories to sow division and distrust in democratic societies. The exploitation of social media and other platforms to flood the information space with falsehoods and manipulate public opinion leads to the destabilization of democratic processes from within. Applebaum describes the sophistication of these tactics, which necessitates an equally sophisticated response from democracies. While Applebaum calls for new strategies that focus on transparency and countering disinformation campaigns, she does not elaborate on what these responses may look like, although Autocracy, Inc. can be regarded as part of such a countermovement against autocratic disinformation.

Overall, Applebaum’s argument in the Epilogue is that the global nature of today’s authoritarian threats requires an equally global response. By fostering international solidarity and addressing the evolving tactics of autocracies, Applebaum believes that democracies can begin to reclaim the initiative and preserve the values of freedom, transparency, and human rights that are at the core of their identity. Autocracy, Inc. raises awareness about a set of challenges on the international scene that are only starting to be known and talked about.