PDF Summary:Autocracy, Inc., by Anne Applebaum

In Autocracy, Inc., Anne Applebaum examines the network of authoritarian regimes spreading across the globe. She reveals how these governments collaborate economically and politically to bolster their power and wealth while repressing democratic values. Applebaum sheds light on their coordinated efforts to control information, spread disinformation, and undermine global institutions that advocate human rights.

Applebaum also scrutinizes the role of corruption in these regimes and its profound effect worldwide. She details how autocratic elites amass personal fortunes through kleptocratic practices, weakening democracy and the international legal framework in the process. The global rise of authoritarianism poses a formidable threat to democratic systems.

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The infusion of kleptocratic capital has compromised political and institutional frameworks worldwide, affecting a range of administrations from democratically elected ones to authoritarian states.

Applebaum emphasizes the pervasive impact of corruption, which spreads its tentacles far beyond the confines of a single autocratic system. The massive influx of illicit funds undermines the robustness of the global financial framework and diminishes the effectiveness of established legal structures, simultaneously corroding democratic institutions worldwide. Western universities, financial institutions, and property markets often disregard the origins of this wealth, which is connected with systems of corrupt governance. The author highlights that Ukrainian oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky channeled billions of dollars into property investments throughout the central United States. He secured control of steel mills, commercial properties, and manufacturing facilities through the use of intermediary companies established in Delaware, Cyprus, and the British Virgin Islands. Applebaum emphasizes that the revelation of Kolomoisky's scheme was a consequence of Ukraine's democratic Euromaidan revolution, which was driven by a collective outrage over the pervasive corruption within the country's ruling class, rather than as a result of any investigative actions taken by the United States. She argues that autocrats have been provided with unparalleled opportunities to hide their wealth and undermine authentic governance through the growth of global financial networks, affecting their own countries as well as democracies worldwide.

Context

• Kleptocratic capital often moves through complex networks involving shell companies, offshore accounts, and legal loopholes, making it difficult to trace and regulate.
• The presence of corruption in democracies can erode public trust in institutions, leading to political instability and a weakened rule of law, which can be as damaging as in autocratic systems.
• The movement and investment of illicit funds can exacerbate economic inequality, as wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few who can exploit these financial networks, while the broader population may suffer from reduced public resources and services.
• Regulatory bodies may be compromised by the very industries they are supposed to oversee, leading to weakened enforcement of laws and regulations designed to prevent corruption.
• In some cases, there may be a lack of political will to address the issue due to the influence of powerful individuals or entities that benefit from the status quo.
• Kleptocracy is a form of government in which officials exploit national resources and steal; it is often associated with corrupt leaders who use their power to accumulate personal wealth at the expense of the governed population.
• These locations are known for their business-friendly regulations and have been used as tax havens, providing anonymity and legal protections that facilitate the concealment of wealth.
• These are entities that exist only on paper and have no office or employees. They are often used to conceal the true ownership of assets and to move money without detection.
• Innovations in financial technology, such as cryptocurrencies, have added new layers of complexity to global finance. While they offer legitimate benefits, they also provide new avenues for hiding and transferring illicit funds, complicating regulatory efforts.

Autocracies implement tactics to control the conversation and diminish the reputation of their democratic counterparts.

Applebaum examines how these regimes strategize their control over information. She argues that autocracies not only have sophisticated methods for suppressing and managing information within their territories but also for disseminating their viewpoints globally, which challenges the position of democracy advocates. The techniques used include establishing comprehensive digital surveillance systems, coordinating disinformation campaigns, launching defamatory assaults on opponents, and occasionally resorting to acts of violence.

Autocracies have evolved complex strategies to oversee, suppress, and influence information.

Applebaum elaborates on the methods contemporary autocracies employ to distort information. They employ a blend of sophisticated monitoring and oppression methods, in addition to conventional strategies for disseminating their ideology and maintaining dominance. This control not only limits accessible information but also molds public conversation through deliberate coordination of online harassment and strategic defamation efforts.

Autocracies have established a comprehensive mechanism to oversee and regulate online discourse, ensuring governance over internet conversations.

Applebaum offers persuasive instances demonstrating the methods by which autocracies manipulate technology to govern the dissemination of information. The author, Anne Applebaum, scrutinizes the comprehensive system that monitors and limits internet activity in China, often known as the Great Firewall. Multinational corporations, including Cisco, Microsoft, and Yahoo, played a pivotal role in the early stages of creating social media platforms in China, which subsequently improved surveillance functions. Applebaum examines the ways in which some administrations, including that of China's capital, deploy an extensive array of surveillance techniques including electronic tracing, systems for recognizing faces, apps that monitor behavior, analysis of vocal patterns, and the collection of genetic information to meticulously monitor and regulate the movements and actions of their people.

Practical Tips

• Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing the presentation of technology-related news in various media. Pay attention to the language used, the framing of stories, and the sources cited. This can help you discern patterns that might indicate information manipulation. For instance, if you notice that certain types of technology stories are consistently presented with a negative slant, consider why that might be and who benefits from that portrayal.
• Foster open discussions about internet censorship with friends and family to raise awareness. By starting conversations on the topic, you can inform others about the importance of a free and open internet. Share articles, create a book club focused on related literature, or simply discuss the implications of restricted internet access during casual meetups to encourage a broader understanding of the issue.
• Educate yourself on the basics of personal data security by taking free online courses or tutorials. Knowledge is power, and understanding how your data can be collected and used helps you make informed decisions about your digital footprint. Look for resources that teach you how to secure your personal devices, recognize phishing attempts, and manage app permissions to ensure you're not unknowingly giving away sensitive information.

They execute coordinated disinformation efforts, deploy numerous online provocateurs, and spread manufactured narratives to undermine and destabilize opposing viewpoints.

Applebaum posits that contemporary autocracies not only suppress information but also strive to manipulate it. They execute extensive disinformation campaigns, utilizing automated programs and human agents to flood social media platforms with concocted stories, promotional content, and targeted attacks on their adversaries. The writer offers a plethora of instances illustrating such strategies. The Internet Research Agency was instrumental in spreading false information and intensifying disagreements during the 2016 U.S. Presidential election. Accounts falsely claiming to endorse "Black Lives Matter" were employed to deepen societal rifts and influence the electorate. Disinformation networks with roots in Russia have been utilized globally to spread baseless stories about the Ukraine conflict, the origins of COVID-19, and to erode trust in Western institutions.

Other Perspectives

• Some autocratic governments may argue that their control over information is necessary to maintain national stability and protect against external misinformation.
• It's important to consider the possibility of bias in identifying and reporting on disinformation campaigns, as accusations of such activities can sometimes be used politically against opposing parties or countries without sufficient evidence.
• The focus on the Internet Research Agency may overshadow the need to examine the vulnerabilities within the U.S. political system and media landscape that make disinformation campaigns possible or effective.
• While false accounts may have claimed to endorse "Black Lives Matter," it is important to consider the resilience and discernment of voters who can often identify and dismiss disinformation efforts.
• While there have been documented cases of disinformation networks linked to Russia, it is important to recognize that disinformation is not a tactic exclusive to any one nation or group, and other state and non-state actors also engage in similar practices.

Autocracies utilize slander, concocted charges of corruption, and sheer aggression to tear down and ruin the existence of staunch advocates for democratic values.

Applebaum emphasizes the deliberate focus of these defamation efforts. Governments frequently undermine dissenters by alleging that they lack patriotism or insinuating their manipulation by external forces, which diminishes their credibility and discourages potential supporters. The story of Evan Mawarire, a clergyman from Zimbabwe who started the #ThisFlag campaign, exemplifies the strategies outlined in the book. The Zimbabwean administration deliberately undermined Mawarire's impactful campaign, which had built up momentum due to his powerful speeches about the state of the nation. The authorities charged him with espionage, deceit, and betrayal, which ultimately led to his banishment. Applebaum notes that while these governments often accuse others of dishonest practices, they themselves are notoriously engaged in such misconduct. The approach not only weakens opponents but also cultivates a feeling of disenchantment and apathy within the public, leading them to believe that inherent dishonesty is a trait of all political figures. Applebaum emphasizes that attacks on an individual's reputation often occur alongside threats, physical violence, and in the most severe instances, murder. The killing of political critics not only eliminates individuals but also serves as a chilling message to other potential dissenters.

Context

• After facing multiple arrests and threats, Mawarire eventually left Zimbabwe for safety reasons, illustrating the personal risks faced by activists in autocratic regimes.
• Targeted individuals often face economic repercussions, such as losing their jobs or businesses, which further isolates them and deters others from supporting their cause.

Other Perspectives

• The term "aggression" is broad and can encompass a wide range of actions, some of which might be legal and legitimate responses to certain forms of protest or dissent, depending on the context.
• Suggesting external manipulation might sometimes stem from a government's legitimate worry about foreign interference in domestic affairs.
• Some may argue that the misconduct of autocratic governments is often highlighted by international observers, whereas similar actions by democratic governments might be overlooked or justified, suggesting a potential bias in how different types of governments are judged.
• Reputation attacks might not always lead to public disenchantment and apathy; in some cases, they can galvanize support for the targeted individual and lead to increased political engagement.
• The strategy of painting all politicians as inherently dishonest could be a tactic used by those in power to discourage civic engagement and maintain control.
• While the killing of political critics can indeed be a warning to others, it can also have the opposite effect, galvanizing opposition and leading to greater resistance and mobilization against the autocratic regime.

The worldwide framework is declining as a result of widespread efforts to stifle opposition and control the dissemination of information.

Applebaum suggests that autocratic governments collaborate to erode the liberal international order established after World War II. The fundamental threat to these regimes, which operate without any form of accountability, stems from an international system that upholds democratic values, human rights safeguards, and adherence to legal principles. Applebaum argues that autocratic rulers intentionally erode the foundations of worldwide organizations, altering the language associated with global legal standards, and use "transnational aggression" to suppress and silence their critics outside their own countries. These measures constitute a direct challenge to the core tenets that have historically underpinned worldwide equilibrium.

Since the conclusion of World War II, autocratic regimes have deliberately eroded the foundations and structures that are pivotal to the liberal order.

This section of the text delves into the tactics used by authoritarian regimes to weaken the foundational framework of the liberal international order. Applebaum explains that autocrats utilize tactics that involve manipulating the language of international bodies, undermining the principles of human rights, and engaging in transnational oppression to silence critics outside their jurisdiction.

Governments with autocratic tendencies are actively working to modify the rules of international bodies, with the goal of removing mentions of democratic values and human rights.

Applebaum argues that countries like China and Russia are actively working to alter the rules that guide international organizations. They strive to alter the conversation away from human rights and democracy towards notions like "sovereignty," "win-win cooperation," and "mutual respect"—terms that appear innocuous but actually allow them to circumvent scrutiny and deflect criticism for their authoritarian actions. Governments can easily justify their actions by claiming that development is an essential right, thus placing it above the conventional focus on protecting individual freedoms and the inherent worth of humans. The idea of a "multipolar world" may initially appear appealing, yet it subtly masks Russia's intent to diminish Western influence and promote an international order more favorable to autocratic rule. Applebaum emphasizes the role of autocratic regimes in establishing coalitions such as the BRICS group and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, aiming to cultivate alternative norms and reduce the influence of institutions founded on democratic ideals.

Context

• Countries like China use economic investments and infrastructure projects, such as those under the Belt and Road Initiative, to gain political leverage, encouraging recipient countries to support changes in international norms.
• The concept of sovereignty traditionally refers to the authority of a state to govern itself without external interference. In the context of international relations, emphasizing sovereignty can be a way for countries to reject external criticism of their internal policies, particularly regarding human rights.
• The notion of prioritizing development has historical precedents, particularly in post-colonial states where rapid economic growth was seen as a way to catch up with Western nations. This often led to the sidelining of democratic processes in favor of strong centralized control.
• The concept gained traction after the Cold War, as emerging powers like China and India began to assert more influence on the global stage, challenging the dominance of Western countries.
• Originally formed as an economic alliance, BRICS includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It aims to promote peace, security, and development, but its members often have differing political systems and agendas, which can complicate unified action.

Autocracies broaden their oppressive influence, utilizing methods like assassination, abduction, and intimidation to pursue dissidents across international boundaries.

Anne Applebaum highlights the alarming expansion of autocratic governments, which wield their power across borders to intimidate, control, and in certain instances, eliminate their opponents. The strategies employed are as follows:

• Governments ruled by autocracy have consistently demonstrated a willingness to dispatch assassins to silence critics living in foreign countries, as evidenced by the high-profile assassination of Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents in Turkey and the mysterious deaths of Russian adversaries in various countries.

• Kidnapping: The shocking case of the Ryanair flight forced to land in Belarus to arrest journalist Roman Protasevich demonstrates the blatant disregard for international law that these regimes display.

• Regimes that are authoritarian employ a range of tactics to suppress those who oppose them and citizens living abroad, including online harassment, pressuring family members, and applying pressure at their places of employment.

Practical Tips

• Start a virtual book club focused on novels and stories that deal with themes of political persecution and the struggle for freedom, ensuring the selection is diverse and covers various cultural contexts. This can foster empathy and a deeper understanding of the human impact of such practices. Through discussions, members can draw parallels between the fictional accounts and the real-world tactics used by autocracies, thus indirectly educating and engaging with the topic.
• Educate yourself on digital privacy to protect your online communications from potential surveillance. Start by researching and using encrypted messaging apps and email services that prioritize user privacy. This will help safeguard your conversations and personal information from being intercepted or monitored by unauthorized parties.
• Start a social media campaign to inform and engage others on the topic of international law and its breaches. Use hashtags, infographics, and shareable content to highlight cases like the Ryanair incident, emphasizing the consequences of ignoring international norms and the importance of global cooperation to maintain order and justice.

Autocracies exert control over the dissemination of information, spreading untruths worldwide to sow doubt, discord, and mistrust within the citizenry of democratic nations.

Applebaum suggests that autocracies utilize information to consolidate their control domestically and also leverage it to project influence on the global stage. They aim to spread misinformation worldwide, aiming to:

• Autocratic regimes exploit divisions within democratic societies, exacerbating disputes and eroding trust in traditional institutions.

• Autocracies utilize propaganda to undermine trust in democratic structures by depicting them as chaotic, ineffective, and plagued by corruption, thereby cultivating a sense of hopelessness within the citizenry.

• Autocracies engage in information warfare to sow confusion and divert the global response to their aggressive actions. The spread of misinformation about biological laboratories sought to divert focus from Russian military operations and to cloud any potential links between China and the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applebaum emphasizes the importance of recognizing that governments with a tendency towards autocracy view the distortion of information as a crucial element in their broader strategy to undermine democratic structures and reshape the global order.

Other Perspectives

• Democracies inherently contain a variety of opinions and divisions, and it is the nature of open societies to publicly negotiate these differences, which is a sign of health rather than an inherent vulnerability to external exploitation.
• The assertion that autocracies foster hopelessness overlooks the agency of individuals in democratic societies who actively work to address and rectify issues within their systems.
• Information warfare is a tool used in international relations that does not necessarily reflect the governance style of a country; democracies and autocracies alike can use similar tactics for different ends.
• The effectiveness of misinformation in reshaping the global order is debatable, as many democratic societies have robust institutions and educated citizenries capable of critical thinking and resistance to false narratives.