Ann Applebaum

Mentioned in 11 analyzed podcast episodes across 3 shows

A prominent journalist and historian specializing in foreign affairs and authoritarianism, known for analyzing threats to democracy both internationally and domestically. She has written extensively on Putin's geopolitical strategy and hosts the podcast Autocracy in America, which examines democratic backsliding in the United States. Her expertise makes her a frequently cited voice in podcasts discussing authoritarianism and threats to democratic institutions.

Appears On

Letters from an American Making Sense with Sam Harris Autocracy in America

Episode Appearances

Letters from an American · Feb 25, 2026

February 24, 2026

“Foreign affairs journalist who wrote that Putin's only path to victory is persuading Ukraine's allies to abandon support and Trump to cut off aid.”

Russia-Ukraine military conflict and invasion timelineBudapest Memorandum on Security Assurances (1994)NATO alliance coordination and transatlantic security

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Making Sense with Sam Harris · Feb 25, 2026

#461 — Dictators Always Tell You What They'll Do

“Historian and democracy expert mentioned as fellow voice warning about authoritarianism”

Authoritarian governance and democratic erosion in AmericaTrump's second term executive overreach and constitutional violationsGOP institutional capitulation and loss of checks and balances

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Autocracy in America · Feb 6, 2026

American Democracy Under Occupation

“Host of Autocracy in America podcast, analyzing democratic backsliding in the US”

Federal immigration enforcement tacticsAuthoritarian surveillance methodsPeaceful resistance organization

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Autocracy in America · Jan 23, 2026

Reality Reshaped

Federal research funding cutsUniversity autonomy and academic freedomCancer research funding termination

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Autocracy in America · Jan 9, 2026

ICE and the National Guard Are Acting with Impunity

“Host and producer of Autocracy in America podcast, framing Trump administration governance through comparative authoritarianism”

ICE Militarization and Paramilitary OperationsConstitutional Rights Violations in Immigration EnforcementNational Guard Domestic Deployment Precedent

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Autocracy in America · Dec 15, 2025

Coming Soon: Season 3 of Autocracy in America

“Host and expert on democratic collapse; analyzes how Trump administration is rewriting U.S. political rules”

Democratic Backsliding and Institutional CollapseExecutive Power ExpansionImmigration Enforcement and ICE Operations

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Autocracy in America · Jul 11, 2025

The Return

“Host and creator of Autocracy in America podcast, author of Autocracy Inc, analyzing democratic erosion”

Autocratic consolidation of executive power in AmericaOligarchy formation and kleptocracy in Trump administrationErosion of separation of powers and judicial independence

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Autocracy in America · Oct 4, 2024

Politicize ‘Freedom’

“Co-host; staff writer at The Atlantic; discusses authoritarian tactics and democratic decline throughout series”

Competing definitions of freedom in American political traditionRhetorical strategies in authoritarian movementsGerrymandering and electoral manipulation

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Autocracy in America · Sep 27, 2024

Join the Kleptocracy

“Co-host of Autocracy in America podcast, explores connections between kleptocracy and democratic decline”

NATO alliance and collective defenseKleptocracy and state captureDark money in American politics

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Autocracy in America · Sep 20, 2024

Consolidate Power

“Co-host of the podcast; former resident of Poland who experienced authoritarian state capture firsthand.”

Huey Long's political playbook and state capture in 1930s LouisianaFive-step authoritarian takeover framework: legislature, institutions, courts, media, violenceSchedule F and federal civil service purge proposals

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Autocracy in America · Aug 16, 2024

Introducing Autocracy in America

“Co-host of the podcast, discussing patterns of authoritarianism and democratic collapse”

Authoritarianism and democratic backslidingConspiracy theories and institutional trustElection integrity and fraud allegations

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