Podcast Summary: Introducing Autocracy in America

Podcast Information

• Title: Autocracy in America
• Host/Author: The Atlantic
• Description: There are authoritarian tactics already at work in the United States. To root them out, you have to know where to look.
• Episode: Introducing Autocracy in America
• Release Date: August 16, 2024

Introduction to Autocracy in America

In the inaugural episode of "Autocracy in America," The Atlantic delves into the subtle yet profound shifts threatening the foundation of American democracy. Hosted by Ann Applebaum, a staff writer at The Atlantic, and Peter Pomerantsev, a senior fellow at the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University, the episode sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of how autocratic tendencies are infiltrating the United States.

The Gradual Decline of Democracy

The hosts commence by addressing a common misconception: that democracy typically collapses through overt means such as coups or violent uprisings. Instead, they argue that modern autocracies often emerge through "one little step at a time" (00:45). This incremental erosion makes the decline less noticeable but equally perilous.

Peter Pomerantsev (00:50): "Modern day authoritarians do not come into power by brute. No, democracy's lost one little step at a time."

Pathways to Authoritarianism Through Democratic Means

Applebaum and Pomerantsev emphasize that today's authoritarians often ascend to power by securing electoral victories within the democratic framework. Once in office, they systematically "tilt all the levers of power in their favor" (01:10), undermining checks and balances that safeguard democratic institutions.

Ann Applebaum (01:15): "Modern day authoritarians come to power by winning democratic elections, but then once they get into power, tilting all the levers of power in their favor."

Signs of Autocracy in the American Landscape

The conversation shifts to specific indicators that suggest the American democratic system is already exhibiting autocratic traits:

1. Conspiracy Theories: The proliferation of unfounded claims, such as the bizarre allegation of ballot shredding and feeding ballots to chickens, exemplifies the "tightening grip of conspiracy theories" (02:30). These narratives erode trust in electoral processes and institutions.

   Peter Pomerantsev (02:45): "Never in a million years would I have thought that somebody would have accused me of shredding ballots from the 2020 election, feeding them to chickens, and then burning the chickens to cover the evidence."

2. Misuse of Investigations: There's a growing trend of leveraging legal investigations for political gain, destabilizing the judiciary's integrity.

3. Fragility of the Courts: The independence of the judicial system is being questioned, making it vulnerable to political manipulation.

4. Dark Money and Lack of Transparency: The influence of undisclosed financial contributions in politics undermines transparency and accountability.

   Ann Applebaum (03:10): "There are signs of autocracy in the growth of dark money and the lack of transparency in politics."

Comparative Global Context

To contextualize America's situation, the hosts draw parallels with global examples of democratic backsliding, notably Venezuela. They highlight how similar tactics are employed worldwide to dismantle democratic structures, emphasizing that understanding these patterns is crucial for addressing them domestically.

Peter Pomerantsev (04:00): "To understand it, you've got to look around the world. The struggle for a transition to democracy. In Venezuela, we are fighting a global fight..."

Moreover, historical instances of electoral malpractice, such as voting in "alphabetical order," are cited to illustrate blatant attempts to undermine electoral integrity.

Ann Applebaum (04:30): "You go to the records and you'll see that the voters that election voted in alphabetical order. Can you figure that out? That's pretty sloppy cheating. No, it's not sloppy. It's blatant."

The Beast Stalking America's Political Landscape

Applebaum poignantly describes the emerging autocratic threat as a "beast stalking America's political landscape" (05:00), underscoring the urgency to recognize and combat these developments before they become irreversible.

Conclusion and Series Introduction

The episode concludes by setting expectations for the series, promising a thorough examination of the subtle shifts towards autocracy in America. Ann Applebaum and Peter Pomerantsev invite listeners to join them in this critical exploration, aiming to equip the audience with the knowledge to identify and resist authoritarian trends.

Ann Applebaum (05:30): "Coming this September, a new podcast from the Atlantic, Autocracy in America."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Peter Pomerantsev (00:50): "Modern day authoritarians do not come into power by brute. No, democracy's lost one little step at a time."

• Ann Applebaum (01:15): "Modern day authoritarians come to power by winning democratic elections, but then once they get into power, tilting all the levers of power in their favor."

• Peter Pomerantsev (02:45): "Never in a million years would I have thought that somebody would have accused me of shredding ballots from the 2020 election, feeding them to chickens, and then burning the chickens to cover the evidence."

• Ann Applebaum (03:10): "There are signs of autocracy in the growth of dark money and the lack of transparency in politics."

• Peter Pomerantsev (04:00): "To understand it, you've got to look around the world. The struggle for a transition to democracy. In Venezuela, we are fighting a global fight..."

• Ann Applebaum (04:30): "You go to the records and you'll see that the voters that election voted in alphabetical order. Can you figure that out? That's pretty sloppy cheating. No, it's not sloppy. It's blatant."

• Ann Applebaum (05:30): "Coming this September, a new podcast from the Atlantic, Autocracy in America."

Final Thoughts

"Introducing Autocracy in America" effectively sets the tone for a critical examination of the subtle mechanisms eroding democratic foundations in the United States. By drawing on historical and global contexts, the episode underscores the importance of vigilance and informed discourse in safeguarding democracy against creeping authoritarianism.

Listeners can anticipate a series rich in analysis, expert insights, and actionable strategies to recognize and counteract autocratic tendencies within American politics.