The Dictator Playbook

This podcast episode explores the rise of autocracy and the challenges it poses to democratic values. It discusses the war in Ukraine as a battleground between autocracy and the democratic world, highlighting Putin's aim to establish a new world order. The conversation delves into the complexities of international sanctions and the role of financial transactions in enabling autocratic leaders. It also sheds light on the relationship between trade, power, and the erosion of democratic values. The podcast examines the Ukrainian revolution as an anti-corruption movement and the implications of tax havens in American states. Additionally, it explores the impact of housing shortages, the influence of foreign states on democratic societies, and the strategies autocracies use to disseminate their narratives. The narrative manipulation and use of lies by autocratic states are also discussed, as well as the growing support for authoritarianism and the need for democracies to engage in the war of ideas. The podcast concludes with an interview with Anne Applebaum, who emphasizes the importance of transparency and defending democracy. Overall, this episode highlights the challenges and lessons democracies face in countering autocracy and the need for responsible action.