In her article on Anne Applebaum’s latest work, the critic Sam Adler-Bell masterfully illuminates the timely and urgent subject matter addressed in Autocracy, Inc. Applebaum artfully examines the rise of authoritarianism and the intertwining forces that enable it, unearthing the grim realities surrounding political and social structures that increasingly favor autocratic regimes. With a striking blend of personal narrative and well-researched analysis, Applebaum presents an unsettling but essential perspective on the fate of democracies across the globe.
Adler-Bell’s review encapsulates the book’s core themes, emphasizing how Applebaum’s examination extends beyond mere theory and into the realm of lived experience. Her insights into the motivations of authoritarian leaders and the responses of the global community are nothing short of compelling. The review highlights a central argument: that the emergence of autocracy is not a distant threat but an immediate reality that demands our attention and action. Adler-Bell’s articulation of Applebaum’s work resonates with urgency and necessity, as both a call to awareness and a rallying cry for resistance against the encroachment of tyranny.
Moreover, Adler-Bell’s incisive prose and sharp critique draw readers in, fostering a deep engagement with the pressing conversations around freedom and governance. The review does not shy away from the complexities of Applebaum’s arguments, inviting readers to grapple with difficult truths about power dynamics, complicity, and the fragility of democratic institutions. In a world increasingly fraught with polarization and conflict, Autocracy, Inc serves as both a warning and a guide, urging us to remain vigilant and informed.
For those wishing to explore this critical examination further, I recommend reading the full article available at [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/20/books/review/autocracy-inc-anne-applebaum.html).
Lotte van Deyssel
Lotte van Deyssel’s review of Sam Adler-Bell’s analysis of Anne Applebaum’s *Autocracy, Inc.* stands as a profound reminder of the philosophical urgency embedded in contemporary discourse on governance and power. In a time when democratic ideals face palpable threats, Applebaum’s exploration transcends mere academic inquiry; it is a poignant meditation on the human condition under authoritarian rule. By intertwining personal narratives with rigorous analysis, Applebaum not only illustrates the mechanisms of oppression but also evokes empathetic understanding of those ensnared by tyrannical regimes.
Adler-Bell’s incisive critique captures this duality beautifully, emphasizing that the encroachment of autocracy is not some abstract philosophical concept, but a lived reality that demands our moral and intellectual engagement. This interplay between lived experience and systemic analysis invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths about agency, complicity, and our collective responsibility.
The review’s insistence on urgent awareness and action resonates with the existential questions philosophers have grappled with throughout history: How do we navigate the precarious line between liberty and tyranny? Are we, as citizens, participants in the erosion of our own freedoms through complacency? In presenting *Autocracy, Inc.* as both a cautionary tale and a call for resistance, Adler-Bell and Applebaum galvanize a philosophical inquiry into the nature of power and the fragility of democratic institutions. This examination reveals not just the immediate implications of authoritarianism, but also the enduring ethical obligations we hold in safeguarding freedom—an endeavor that is both urgent and timeless.