Autocracy, Inc: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World

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One of the world's most celebrated historians and journalists uncovers the networks attempting to dismantle democracy. The traditional image of an autocratic state, with a single villain at the helm, is outdated. Today, autocracies are maintained by intricate networks of kleptocratic financial systems, security services, and skilled propagandists. These networks connect individuals not just within a single nation, but across multiple countries, facilitating collaboration among corrupt, state-controlled enterprises and law enforcement agencies. The police in one nation can equip and train those in another, while propagandists share resources, using troll farms to disseminate similar messages that undermine democracy and vilify America. Unlike historical military or political alliances, this coalition operates more like a conglomerate—Autocracy, Inc.—with relationships based on transactional interests rather than shared values. Their unified goal is clear: to weaken democratic systems and values. This exploration delves into the origins, persistence, and mechanics of these networks, revealing how the democratic world has inadvertently bolstered them and discussing strategies for dismantling their influence.