100. Anne Applebaum: Corruption, Populism, and Ending the War in Ukraine

Anne Applebaum reflects on her journey with Eastern Europe, beginning with her experiences as a student in the Soviet Union during the 1980s, witnessing Poland's transition to democracy, and her marriage to a Polish politician. She discusses the complex political landscape, especially the rise of populism and the threat posed by figures like Putin. Applebaum emphasizes the West's misjudgment of Russia, recognizing how financial and political complacency allowed corrupt practices to thrive and impact Western democracies. She expresses concern over the consequences of ignoring these realities and underscores the need for vigilance in supporting democracy and confronting autocratic regimes.

There are distinct differences between British and American perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe. The British view often seemed more welcoming and open to integrating these regions into Western Europe, while the American view tended to be more confrontational and clear-cut, especially regarding Russia. However, both perspectives exhibit some naivety towards the realities of corruption and hypocrisy in dealing with autocratic regimes. British officials allowed Russian money to flow into London, often overlooking the corrupt practices associated with it. This led to British enablers, like lawyers and accountants, inadvertently supporting unethical behaviors. In turn, the Russian opposition pointed out this hypocrisy, questioning the integrity of Western democracies who preach human rights while allowing corrupt practices to thrive. Engaging with dictatorships requires transparency about their nature, as hypocrisy is rampant in global politics, affecting perceptions on both sides. Addressing these complexities can help foster more effective foreign policy decisions.

Political corruption can stem from foreign money and influence, particularly from autocratic regimes. This is evident in how wealthy individuals or oligarchs use donations, lobbying, and business deals to sway politicians, creating a system of opacity and risky power dynamics. While not all such interactions are illegal, they can undermine democratic integrity and lead to long-term repercussions, such as fostering enemies or escalating conflicts. Different countries, like Russia, China, Israel, and Saudi Arabia, utilize similar tactics, but the key issue lies in the potential impact on global stability and national security. Ultimately, fostering relationships with these nations can pose risks, as they may lead to future crises, as seen with Russia's aggression towards Ukraine, prompting consideration of how these investments and influences shape political agendas.

The conversation highlights the complex ties between wealthy individuals, particularly Russian oligarchs, and political power. Many of these oligarchs gain wealth through their connections to state power rather than through traditional means like entrepreneurship. This raises questions about how their influence seeps into industries like sports and media, where individuals like Abramovich manage to present themselves as legitimate, despite their questionable money origins. The difficulty in understanding these connections contributes to a general sense of complacency, where citizens do not mobilize against the negative impacts of these arrangements, such as skyrocketing property prices and systemic inequalities. Additionally, there’s an ongoing tension in international relations, where officials must navigate relationships with figures viewed by many as connected to organized crime, leading to uncomfortable understandings of diplomacy.

Populism and autocracy are often related, where populists may initially gain power through democratic means but then undermine democracy to secure their position. Leaders like Viktor Orban exemplify this, as they appeal to national identity and build alliances to maintain control. They often dismantle checks and balances and use fake elections, diverging from traditional democratic structures. Autocratic states like Russia and China, while not democracies, also utilize populist strategies to promote their ideology in democratic nations, creating a global interest in eroding democratic principles. This trend allows autocrats to flourish by fostering discontent within democracies, making it essential to understand how these movements operate and influence global politics.

Orban's political strategies in Hungary could inspire other leaders to embrace populism and authoritarianism, challenging traditional democratic values. His ability to exploit societal anxieties about modernity gives him power. Concurrently, global leaders face a pivotal moment in deciding how to combat rising autocracy, particularly in context with the Ukraine conflict. The fight between democracy and autocracy will be ongoing, influenced by social dynamics and international events, with Ukraine's situation serving as a critical test for democratic nations. Understanding these challenges is essential for leaders worldwide as they navigate the complex political landscape shaped by Orban’s methods and the implications of the war in Ukraine.

Conversations on politics have dramatically changed, particularly since 2012, largely due to the influence of social media, which promotes anger and division. While many autocratic regimes seem resilient, there remains a flicker of hope as people in oppressed countries, like Venezuela and Russia, continue to strive for justice and change. They persevere because they believe in fundamental rights, showing that despite adverse conditions, the fight for democracy and better societies is still alive. This spirit of resistance encourages us to remain optimistic about the potential for change, even when the odds appear stacked against them.

The conversation highlights the complex political landscape surrounding a prominent journalist and writer married to a politician. While she expresses insightful views on populism and international relations, emphasizing the impact of social media and personal experiences, she balances her role as both an observer and a participant. The discussion touches on her optimism regarding global issues, especially the situation in Ukraine, despite the challenges faced by countries like Iran. It also raises questions about the influence of Russia on right-wing parties in the West. Her unique perspective comes from her past friendships and experiences in politics, making her analyses relevant and thought-provoking for those interested in understanding contemporary political dynamics.