Autocracy in America: Episode Summary – "Join the Kleptocracy"

Release Date: September 27, 2024
Host/Author: The Atlantic
Guests: John Bolton, Leopoldo Lopez, Sergio Popovich, Darya Kalinyuk, Casey Mitchell, Sheldon Whitehouse

Introduction: The Rise of Kleptocracy in America

In the "Join the Kleptocracy" episode of Autocracy in America, hosts Peter Pomerantsev and Anne Applebaum delve into the alarming trend of authoritarian and kleptocratic influences infiltrating the United States. This episode explores how traditional democratic institutions are being undermined by secretive financial networks and corrupt practices, drawing parallels with global autocratic regimes.

Historical Context: Alliances Strengthening Domestic Democracy

Anne Applebaum begins by highlighting the historical role of alliances in reinforcing American democracy. She notes, “NATO was created to be a deterrent, to prevent wars... It worked because most members shared the same values” (02:28). These alliances not only ensured collective defense but also reinforced democratic values domestically by fostering strong economic, cultural, and political ties with like-minded nations.

Peter Pomerantsev adds, “Historically, it is kind of true... Britain has had a big influence in America” (04:24). He underscores how international relationships have historically bolstered American democratic ideals and identity.

Transition to Kleptocracy: Modern Autocratic Networks

The conversation shifts to the emergence of a global network of kleptocracies—countries unified not by ideology but by mutual interests in corruption and wealth extraction. Applebaum explains, “They are united in their need to undermine the rule of law and repress their own people as a result of wanting to steal more money” (06:31).

John Bolton, former National Security Advisor, illustrates the perilous moment when President Trump nearly withdrew the U.S. from NATO: “Right up until the moment when Trump spoke... we didn't know what he was going to do” (02:35). This moment epitomizes the destabilizing potential of American flirtation with autocratic tactics.

Case Study: Venezuela’s Descent into Autocracy

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Venezuela’s transformation under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro. Former mayor Leopoldo Lopez recounts how Chávez’s shift toward autocracy entangled Venezuela with global kleptocratic allies: “The Chinese ... lock in investments ... take ownership of critical infrastructure” (08:43). Applebaum adds, “Venezuela was once one of the most successful democracies... but it aligned itself with Autocracy Inc.”

Lopez highlights the extensive financial ties with Russia, China, and Iran, which facilitated Maduro’s retention of power despite widespread opposition: “I truly believe that the main reason why Maduro is still in power is because of the support he gets from Russia, from China, from Iran, from Cuba” (11:18).

Parallels in U.S. Politics: Dark Money and Real Estate Corruption

Applebaum draws parallels between Venezuela’s corruption and current U.S. issues, particularly in real estate and political financing. She points out, “American real estate... became a magnet for foreign wealth” (16:37), illustrating how anonymous investments obscure the true ownership and perpetuate corruption.

Casey Mitchell, author of American Kleptocracy, warns, “Donald Trump as president would task his administration with rolling back... transparency requirements” (17:30). He foresees a trajectory similar to Russia’s, where a secretive elite controls financial resources, undermining democratic institutions.

Impact of Super PACs and the Citizens United Decision

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse discusses the detrimental effects of Super PACs on American democracy. He states, “The super PAC can hide who you are giving money... you can dump unlimited amounts of money into politics” (19:20). Applebaum notes the explosive growth of secretive funding, with dark money groups spending over $21 million, compared to $6 million in 2012 (19:18).

Whitehouse emphasizes, “If American citizens aren't allowed to understand who's who... you have disabled perhaps the most fundamental foundation of democracy” (18:55). This opacity shifts power toward special interests, eroding public trust and diminishing voter agency.

Expert Insights: Sergio Popovich and the Corporate Nature of Modern Autocracies

Sergio Popovich, an activist and scholar, explains the evolution of dictatorships into corporate-like entities: “Modern autocracies... look like corporations... tools of maintaining the corporation, like military, media” (12:02). This transformation facilitates the seamless integration of corruption and control, making modern autocracies more resilient and covert.

Peter Pomerantsev shares a personal anecdote from Moscow, illustrating the pervasive nature of money laundering: “the whole city was basically one big money laundering exercise” (13:14). Applebaum elaborates on the complexity and secrecy designed to obscure these financial crimes from public scrutiny (14:32).

Ukraine’s Struggle and the Stakes for American Democracy

Darya Kalinyuk of Ukraine's Anti-Corruption Action Center discusses Ukraine’s fight against kleptocracy and Russian aggression: “We want freedom, dignity... trust in our institutions” (25:04). Pomerantsev connects Ukraine’s battle to the broader implications for American democracy: “If America loses that battle inside, then Ukraine and perhaps other vulnerable democracies would likely lose their battles as well” (28:22).

Kalinyuk warns of the dire consequences should the U.S. abandon its support for democratic allies, stating, “If there is alliance between America and Russia, between America and China, there will be end of democracy in America” (27:33).

Conclusion: The Interlinked Fate of Democracies

The episode concludes by reinforcing the interconnectedness of global democracies and the risks posed by internal corruption and kleptocratic influences. Applebaum expresses a chilling vision: “My nightmare is that fascism comes to America, but it's marching under the banner of freedom” (30:00). Pomerantsev echoes this concern, emphasizing that corruption and secretive networks degrade the very foundations of democracy, making it vulnerable to authoritarian takeover.

Key Takeaways

• Kleptocracy Defined: A system where the state is controlled by a corrupt elite, prioritizing personal wealth over public good.

• Impact of Dark Money: Secretive financial flows undermine transparency, erode public trust, and skew political influence toward wealthy special interests.

• Historical Parallels: The decline of democracies like Venezuela serves as a cautionary tale for the United States.

• Global Implications: U.S. engagement with autocratic regimes like Russia and China poses threats not only internationally but also to domestic democratic structures.

• Urgent Call for Transparency: Strengthening democratic institutions and enforcing transparency in political financing are critical to resisting the encroachment of kleptocratic influences.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• John Bolton: “Right up until the moment when Trump spoke... we didn't know what he was going to do.” (02:35)

• Leopoldo Lopez: “I truly believe that the main reason why Maduro is still in power is because of the support he gets from Russia, from China, from Iran, from Cuba.” (11:18)

• Sheldon Whitehouse: “If American citizens aren't allowed to understand who's who on the political playing field... you have disabled perhaps the most fundamental foundation of democracy.” (18:55)

• Anne Applebaum: “My nightmare is that fascism comes to America, but it's marching under the banner of freedom.” (30:00)

Conclusion

"Join the Kleptocracy" serves as a compelling examination of how kleptocratic practices are seeping into American democracy, threatening its integrity and global standing. By drawing parallels with international examples and highlighting the internal vulnerabilities exacerbated by secretive financial networks, the episode underscores the urgent need for transparency and accountability to preserve democratic values both domestically and worldwide.