You have been researching authoritarian movements for a long time. What is different about the current rise of ultraconservative forces in the US from what we have seen in other political movements?
Anne Applebaum: It is important to realize that the so-called far-right movement has already reached the center of society. Most Americans no longer get news and information from newspapers, television or journalists. They get their information from social networks, podcasts and advertisements. And there are different demands being made than those we were used to hearing from Republicans in the past. It is quite clear that this is about a radical change of institutions – for example, through mass layoffs of civil servants.
In the US, there is a separation of powers - there is a parliament and courts. Is it possible that one person, i.e. Donald Trump, and his government can really go so far as to implement everything you have described?
Applebaum: The Republicans already have a majority in the Senate, and they will probably get one in the House of Representatives as well. The majority of the judges on the Supreme Court are appointed by Republicans. This means that the historical separation of powers no longer exists to a certain extent.
Do you expect further polarization in the US, changes in democratic institutions or even in the political course that could change the direction of the country's development?
Applebaum: I can only repeat what was said during Trump's election campaign. He and his people have made it very clear that there will be a radical change of course. We have heard this from both Trump and his Vice President J.D. Vance: they want to change the relationship with Europe. Both of them are talking about changing the way the US government operates. They are talking about destroying the “deep state”, by which I understand they mean the regulatory and government agencies. So, according to their statements, it will be a government that is radically different from the one we have had so far. However, in practice, things may not end up looking exactly like that.
Many observers are already talking about a global crisis of democracy. Do you see parallels between the events in the US and possible developments in Europe?
Applebaum: What is happening in the US will eventually happen in Europe. There are political changes in the US that can be seen in Europe as well. More political parties and movements will emerge that share the ideas, language and tactics of the far-right movement in the US, which has taken over the Republican Party and controls the White House. The same will happen in Europe. Europeans need to be prepared for this and think about how they can stop it.
What steps could democracies around the world take to limit the influence of authoritarian and far-right movements?
Applebaum: The EU now needs to seriously address the issue of regulating social media. And I don't mean imposing censorship, but giving people control over their data, access to algorithms and the way social media works. It is important that the way people get their information remains compatible with democracy.
What changes do you expect in Trump's policy compared to his first term?
Applebaum: Trump has made it clear that the United States will not continue to support Ukraine as it has been. He has made it clear that he does not see himself as the leader of a broad democratic alliance. Germany and Europe must talk about the defense of Ukraine. Especially with the awareness that a catastrophic development in Ukraine will certainly not cost them less. It will not be cheaper for them, but it will be more expensive if the war ends badly. Then they will have to invest more in armaments, and NATO will be under greater threat. There will be a major refugee crisis and that will not make things any easier.
How do you assess what is happening now in Germany with the government?
Applebaum: This is the worst possible time for a government crisis in Germany. However, I hope that Chancellor Olaf Scholz will use the next few weeks to make wise decisions to prepare Europe, NATO and Ukraine for all possible situations.
You have shown optimism before, despite the gloomy prospects. What gives you hope?
Applebaum: I have high hopes for Europe and for the unity of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Poland and Italy. I very much hope that Europeans will realize the urgency and understand that we must now be united and defend our common values. I believe that this is possible and I have great hope for German leadership even in these difficult times.
Anne Applebaum is an American historian and writer, a graduate of Yale University and the London School of Economics, has taught at universities in the United States and Europe, and is the author of the books “GULAG“ - about the Soviet camp system, and “Red Hunger“ - about the Famine in Soviet Ukraine.
Author: Ellen Annie ARD