Podcast Summary: Autocracy in America – Episode: The CEO

Introduction

In the episode titled "The CEO" from Autocracy in America by The Atlantic, host Garry Kasparov engages in a profound dialogue with Matthias Doffner, the CEO of Axel Springer—a leading multinational media and technology company headquartered in Berlin. Released on August 15, 2025, this episode delves into the nuanced challenges facing democracy in Europe, with a particular focus on Germany's pivotal role amidst rising authoritarian tendencies globally.

Threats to Democracy in Europe

Matthias Doffner opens the conversation by contextualizing Axel Springer's headquarters, strategically located adjacent to the former Berlin Wall, symbolizing the historical divide between democracy and autocracy. He underscores the alarming trend of "freedom recession," citing analyses from Freedom House that reveal a significant decline in democratic freedoms worldwide. Doffner remarks, “[...] most of the centrist democracies are in relatively weak shape, whereas autocratic authoritarian systems pretty systematically achieve their goals and gain ground” (03:33). This sets the stage for discussing the internal and external threats undermining democratic institutions in Europe.

Germany’s Unfinished Reunification

Kasparov shifts the focus to Germany's reunification, a process still grappling with psychological and societal divides decades after 1990. Doffner reflects on the enduring disparities between East and West Germany, stating, “there is still quite a significant divide” (05:42). While acknowledging the economic successes post-reunification, he warns against complacency, highlighting it as “a degree of complacency that I find more and more dangerous” (07:22). Doffner emphasizes the need for bold leadership to address economic turnaround and migration, suggesting that without proactive measures, Germany's unity remains fragile.

Overcoming Historical Guilt to Lead Europe

Addressing Germany's historical baggage, particularly the legacy of the Third Reich, Doffner discusses the nation's struggle to embrace leadership without invoking past militarism. He asserts, “the term leadership and the idea of leadership [...] is almost something negative” (08:15). Nevertheless, he advocates for a leadership model grounded in defending the open society and collaborative partnership, rather than domination. This transformation is crucial for Germany to effectively lead Europe and navigate contemporary geopolitical challenges.

Energy Independence and Geopolitical Implications

The conversation shifts to Germany's energy policy, particularly the controversial decision to phase out nuclear energy in 2011. Doffner criticizes this move as “one of the most irresponsible decisions of German governments in post-war history” (12:09), highlighting its unintended consequence of increasing dependence on Russian energy. He elaborates, “it has basically strengthened and financed the Putin that we have to deal with since then” (12:21), linking energy policy intricacies to broader geopolitical stability and security.

Shifting Political Landscape: Rise of Extremes

Kasparov probes into Germany's evolving political landscape, noting the decline of the traditional two-party system and the rise of extremist parties like Alternative for Deutschland (AfD). Doffner attributes this shift to “failed and unsuccessful centrist policies” and a “lack of credibility of centrist political leaders” (14:39). He articulates that both the far-right and far-left factions pose significant threats to democracy, with the AfD particularly endangering European integration through its admiration for autocratic regimes.

The AfD’s Impact on German and European Democracy

Further dissecting the AfD's influence, Doffner explains, “the admiration for strongmen and autocratic countries like almost Russia, but also China and others reflect a totally different idea of society, a different idea of leadership” (16:15). He expresses concern over the party’s stronger presence in eastern Germany, which paradoxically contradicts the region's historical skepticism towards authoritarianism. Doffner stresses the AfD's detrimental impact on transatlantic relations, citing their anti-American stance and proposals like “No American weapons on German ground” (18:19), which inadvertently bolster adversarial powers like Russia.

Defense, NATO, and Germany's Strategic Role

The dialogue transitions to Germany's defense capabilities and its role within NATO. Doffner criticizes the insufficient military investment by NATO members, stating that “the percentage of budgets that NATO members and the west is basically investing [...] is so minor” (27:52). He advocates for increased military deterrence to prevent further Russian aggression, emphasizing that without robust defense measures, Europe remains vulnerable. However, he remains skeptical about Germany's readiness to lead a new defense alliance, highlighting historical apprehensions about German military leadership.

Optimism for a Reawakening Europe

Despite the challenges, Doffner maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook. He envisions a “healthy wake-up call for democracy” that could spur Europe into action, transforming it from a “sleeping beauty” into a “beautiful giant” on the global stage (24:36). He anticipates that rising global threats might catalyze a strategic realignment, fostering stronger transatlantic partnerships and enhancing Europe's role in international affairs.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

In concluding the episode, both Kasparov and Doffner reflect on the imperative for Germany and Europe to overcome internal complacency and external threats. Doffner outlines an ideal future where Germany leads Europe in military strength and strategic partnerships with the United States, resulting in a fortified democratic bloc capable of countering authoritarian powers. He advocates for mutual strategies in trade and defense, envisioning a collaborative approach that reinforces the open society model and ensures global stability (34:26).

Kasparov reinforces the necessity of a clear vision and unwavering commitment to democratic values, expressing hope that Europe can awaken from its metaphorical slumber to fulfill its potential as a geopolitical powerhouse.

Notable Quotes

• “Most of the centrist democracies are in relatively weak shape, whereas autocratic authoritarian systems pretty systematically achieve their goals and gain ground.” – Matthias Doffner (03:33)

• “Germany has developed, for many various reasons, a degree of complacency that I find more and more dangerous.” – Matthias Doffner (07:22)

• “The admiration for strongmen and autocratic countries like almost Russia, but also China and others reflect a totally different idea of society, a different idea of leadership.” – Matthias Doffner (16:15)

• “The decision to drop out of nuclear energy is way, way bigger than just a topic in the context of coalition scenarios or energy policies. It goes Way beyond it.” – Matthias Doffner (12:12)

• “It is history. It is a bit this fear of taking military leadership.” – Matthias Doffner (29:01)

• “Europe is a sleeping beauty. It’s just a great continent with wonderful countries and a beautiful, probably the most attractive lifestyle in the world. But it’s also sleeping.” – Matthias Doffner (22:23)

Final Thoughts

This episode of Autocracy in America provides a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted challenges facing Germany and Europe in safeguarding democracy against rising authoritarianism. Through incisive analysis and candid reflections, Garry Kasparov and Matthias Doffner illuminate the critical intersections of history, politics, and geopolitics, offering both cautionary insights and hopeful projections for the future of democratic societies.