Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World. Anne Applebaum. New York: Doubleday, July 23, 2024

Anne Applebaum's 'Autocracy, Inc.' provides a chilling examination of the emergence of a new type of autocrat who openly exploits their people for personal gain. Unlike their predecessors, these leaders form alliances based on economic deals rather than ideals, using global trade and social media to evade sanctions and launder money. Applebaum argues that this shift has created a new paradigm of international relations, where kleptocratic regimes support each other to maintain power. The book offers a trenchant analysis of how these autocrats operate, highlighting the need for Western democracies to take decisive action to counter this trend. Applebaum's insights are enriched by her personal experiences and extensive research, making 'Autocracy, Inc.' a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of liberal democracy.