Anne Applebaum's Book Examines Global Autocracy Network

Anne Applebaum's new book, 'Autocracy, Inc', explores the rise of autocracies globally, suggesting a network of collaboration among dictators driven by power and financial interests, while critiquing the dwindling influence of democracies. The book identifies a variety of regimes, from hard dictatorships to hybrid democracies, and frames Russia's war on Ukraine as part of a broader effort to undermine liberal democratic values. Meanwhile, political dynamics in Indonesia reveal a troubling trend of elections featuring 'empty boxes', indicating the prevalence of single candidates and oligarchic control, raising questions about the democratic integrity of upcoming regional elections. In India, a contentious debate persists over who holds the power to amend the Constitution, with the judiciary asserting limits on Parliament's authority to protect fundamental rights, a struggle emblematic of broader societal polarization. Additionally, a controversial discussion on the influence of genetics on intelligence highlights the tension between scientific inquiry and prevailing societal taboos, with fear of retribution stifling open discourse on biological differences. This complex interplay of politics, social norms, and constitutional debates underscores the challenges facing democratic frameworks and the discourse surrounding human nature today.