Autocracy, Inc. by Anne Applebaum Summary
Overview of Autocracy, Inc.
Pulitzer Prize-winner Anne Applebaum's "Autocracy, Inc." dissects the global rise of authoritarian regimes with chilling precision. As democracy erodes worldwide, this timely analysis asks: how did autocrats create a borderless network of mutual support - and can free societies still fight back?
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The Rise of a New Global Order: Autocracy, Inc.
In the shadowy corners of international politics, a powerful alliance has formed without fanfare or formal treaties. Unlike the Cold War's ideological battle between democracy and communism, today's autocratic network operates through sophisticated financial webs, shared surveillance technologies, and coordinated propaganda. This isn't about shared ideology-China's communist party has little in common with Russia's nationalist kleptocracy or Iran's theocracy. What unites them is a common enemy (Western democracy) and shared methods of control. As Russia's invasion of Ukraine represents the first full-scale battle between this autocratic network and democratic nations, understanding how dictators collaborate has never been more urgent. This isn't just another geopolitical shift-it's an existential threat to democracy worldwide. What makes this network so dangerous is its adaptability. These regimes have learned to mimic democratic appearances while hollowing out institutions from within. They've mastered using Western financial systems, media platforms, and legal structures against the democracies that created them. And most concerning-they're winning converts among populations increasingly disillusioned with democratic governance.
The Kleptocratic Foundation: Not Your Grandfather's Dictatorship
The Global Contagion: How Kleptocracy Spreads
The Digital Panopticon: Surveillance Without Borders
The Propaganda Machine: Manufacturing Cynicism
The Democracy Resistance: Fighting Back Against Autocracy
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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