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Artwork for Autocracy in America

Autocracy in America

The Atlantic
Democracy
Autocracy
Ukraine
Authoritarianism
Kleptocracy
Political Trust
Trump's Second Presidency
Putinism
The Atlantic
Venezuela
Freedom
Iran
Huey Long
January 6th Insurrection
Trump Administration
Fascism
Birtherism
Misinformation
Judicial Independence
Political Polarization

Reporting on the sweeping changes unfolding in the United States, and preparing you to think about what might happen next. Subscribe now to The Atlantic to hear all 5 episodes of our latest season available immediately on January 9, 2026.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes29Foundeda year ago
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PoliticsSociety & CultureNews

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Artwork for Autocracy in America

Latest Episodes

When heavily armed agents of the federal government arrived in Minneapolis, the people of the Twin Cities responded with surprising strength.

In this episode, residents describe what drove them to act, and host Anne Applebaum speaks with Atlantic co... more

YouTube

The Trump White House is changing the rules of our political system through intimidation, the distortion of information, financial corruption, and the dismantling of government offices. In the final episode of this season, we examine whether the admi... more

YouTube

Kathleen Walters was only 23 days away from qualifying for early retirement at the IRS when she decided to quit, rather than acquiesce to a Trump-administration request that she break the law and compromise millions of people’s privacy. She’s one of ... more

YouTube

Joan Brugge has worked for nearly 50 years as a cancer scientist, studying the earliest signs that someone might become sick. Then the Trump administration canceled her lab’s funding. The administration’s attacks on medicine, culture, and education—w... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Contact Information
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Recent Guests

Joan Brugge
Cancer researcher with nearly 50 years of experience, affected by funding cuts.
Harvard
Episode: Reality Reshaped
Ruth Ben-Ghiat
Professor of History and Italian Studies at NYU, author of 'Strongmen' which explores authoritarianism.
New York University
Episode: Reality Reshaped
Brandon LaRoque
A veteran and bar owner, victim of a crypto hack
Episode: Crypto Corruption
Molly White
Software engineer and researcher, writes about crypto
Episode: Crypto Corruption
George Retes Jr.
25-year-old U.S. citizen and veteran from Ventura, California who shares his experience with ICE
Episode: ICE and the National Guard Are Acting with Impunity
Margiela Herron
Expert from the Brennan Center for Justice who discusses ICE's treatment of citizens and immigrants.
Brennan Center for Justice
Episode: ICE and the National Guard Are Acting with Impunity
Liza Goitein
Expert from the Brennan Center who provides insights on the military's use domestically.
Brennan Center for Justice
Episode: ICE and the National Guard Are Acting with Impunity
William McRaven
Former Navy Admiral and commander of the operation that killed Osama Bin Laden
University of Texas at Austin
Episode: The Admiral
Michael McFaul
Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and expert on Russian affairs
Stanford University
Episode: The Warning

Host

Garry Kasparov
Co-host, former world chess champion and political activist for democracy, known for his critical analysis of authoritarian regimes around the world.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.9k ratings
  • Anne makes it understandable

    For years, Anne and Gary have made sense from the outside, how things really are. So grateful. G

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Roman Kaze
    United States12 days ago
  • Crypto

    I don’t understand Why didn’t Brandon use a bank?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Che Block
    United States20 days ago
  • Essential learning

    Thank you, Anne, for your relentless reporting.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    slowdowngrl
    United States20 days ago
  • Excellent Interviews

    This season of Autocracy in America is excellent- (no matter how depressing the subject is). Very knowledgeable guests, and conducted in the manner that Applebaum always excels in: great questions and follow-up based on expertise.

    This is a clear statement of where we are in the USA and as they say, knowledge is power. Thank you for this offering!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Trash Panda Logic
    United Statesa month ago
  • Top thinking

    I could listen to Anne Applebaum all day

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    flying monkey inc
    United Kingdoma month ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some feedback indicates frustration with the podcast's evolving focus, expressing a desire for a return to earlier themes.
Overall, the audience appreciates the urgent nature of the topics discussed and the educational value offered.
Listeners praise the series for its insightful analysis of democracy and authoritarianism.
Many commend the discussions for their depth and relevance, highlighting the quality of guests.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#14
United States/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#44
United States/News
Apple Podcasts
#182
Canada/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#13
Canada/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#38
Canada/News
Apple Podcasts
#39
United Kingdom/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

American Democracy Under Occupation
Q: Did the protesters win?
Yes, there was a victory as public outcry influenced the withdrawal of some federal agents and changed narratives around their actions.
American Democracy Under Occupation
Q: How do you understand Minnesota within the context of these other moments and movements?
Robert Worth observed that Minnesota is showing unique community resilience against federal agents that echoes historical global protests.
Rise of the Trump Loyalist
Q: Is the current administration adhering to the Civil Service Reform Act?
Neither in spirit nor in the letter of the law is the current administration adhering to this act, marking a significant attack on the civil service system.
Rise of the Trump Loyalist
Q: What are the practical impacts of mass firings within the civil service?
Mass firings create an atmosphere of fear that can affect the integrity of elections and public support for government services.
Reality Reshaped
Q: What do you think about the Trump administration's focus on cultural institutions like the Smithsonian?
Authoritarian leaders aim to rewrite history and erase narratives that conflict with their agenda, promoting a sanitized version of history instead.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Autocracy in America

What is Autocracy in America about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The series explores the ongoing threats to democracy in the United States, particularly examining the authoritarian tactics that are becoming increasingly prevalent in American politics. Through discussions with experts from various fields, it investigates the implications of these practices on civil liberties, governance, and public perception. Notable guests include political figures, military leaders, and activists who share their insights and experiences relating to autocracy, providing a multifaceted view of the challenges facing democracy today. The podcast stands out for its in-depth analyses and candid conversations on difficult topics, making it an essential resource for those concerned about the future of democratic values in Amer... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Autocracy in America?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Autocracy in America:

1. Radio Atlantic
2. The David Frum Show
3. The Ezra Klein Show
4. The Political Scene | The New Yorker
5. The Bulwark Podcast

How many episodes of Autocracy in America are there?

Autocracy in America launched a year ago and published 29 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Autocracy in America?

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What guests have appeared on Autocracy in America?

Recent guests on Autocracy in America include:

1. Joan Brugge
2. Ruth Ben-Ghiat
3. Brandon LaRoque
4. Molly White
5. George Retes Jr.
6. Margiela Herron
7. Liza Goitein
8. William McRaven

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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