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Power 3.0 | Authoritarian Resurgence, Democratic Resilience

News & Politics Podcasts

Explore cutting-edge research and ideas about authoritarian resurgence, democratic resilience, and other emergent trends in democracy studies.

Location:

United States

Description:

Explore cutting-edge research and ideas about authoritarian resurgence, democratic resilience, and other emergent trends in democracy studies.

Language:

English


Episodes

Lessons from Ukraine: How AI Is Accelerating the Response to Authoritarian Information Manipulation

2/21/2024
February 2024 marks two years since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In the midst of this crisis, the world has learned much from Ukrainians about countering authoritarian information operations. The Forum highlighted Ukrainian civil society’s resilience in a 2023 report, “Shielding Democracy: Civil Society Adaptations to Kremlin Disinformation about Ukraine.” Yet, a new and more complex threat has emerged to Ukraine’s information environment from Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered tools. Whether in Ukraine or across many other regions facing these threats, pro-democratic civil society actors have the opportunity to leverage these types of tools to level the playing field against authoritarian actors. Ksenia Iliuk, co-founder of LetsData in Ukraine, sat down with John Glenn, director of the International Forum for Democratic Studies, and Adam Fivenson, Senior Program Officer for Information Space Integrity at the Forum, to discuss the state of Russia’s information operations and the Ukrainian response with a focus on the use of artificial intelligence and cross-sectoral collaboration. For further insights on modern authoritarian influence, check out the International Forum’s companion blog, “Power 3.0 Understanding Modern Authoritarian Influence.” You can find additional resources on the Forum’s website at the National Endowment for Democracy and join the conversation with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff. Photo Credit: [Iliuk Nazar/Shutterstock].

Duration:00:36:54

Defending the Human Rights System from Authoritarian Assault: A Conversation with Rana Siu Inboden and Sophie Richardson

10/4/2023
Authoritarian influence in multilateral institutions is growing rapidly and poses a serious threat to democratic and human rights principles. Repressive governments have worked to undermine mechanisms that are meant to ensure accountability for human rights abuses and to transform the United Nations, its related bodies, and other international institutions into fora for mutual praise. Both the Chinese Communist Party and the Kremlin are working to subvert human rights norms, peddle favorable narratives, and oppose resolutions examining their poor human rights records. Democratic societies must rally behind the global human rights system and ensure that it remains capable of assisting activists and victims around the world. International Forum report author and senior fellow with the Robert S. Strauss Center at The University of Texas at Austin, Rana Siu Inboden, and China Director at Human Rights Watch, Sophie Richardson, sat down with Christopher Walker, vice president for studies and analysis at the National Endowment for Democracy, for a discussion on this crucial challenge to global democratic integrity. This episode highlights key moments from this conversation. This podcast was adapted from a launch event for Dr. Inboden’s excellent report, “Defending the Human Rights System from Authoritarian Assault: How Democracies Can Retake the Initiative,” published by the Forum. To watch the full event, visit the National Endowment for Democracy’s YouTube channel. For further insights on modern authoritarian influence, check out the International Forum’s companion blog, “Power 3.0 Understanding Modern Authoritarian Influence.” You can find additional research on the NED website and join the conversation with us on Facebook and Twitter. The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff. Photo Credit: [Ana Maria Serrano/Getty Images].

Duration:00:48:36

Knowledge Gaps in Exposing China’s Authoritarian Influence: Cross-Regional Conversations with John Fitzgerald, Niva Yau, and TtCat

6/13/2023
As the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has become more authoritarian and closed to the world in recent years, its global influence has risen even more rapidly. Civil society and other democratic institutions around the world must grapple with the PRC’s malign influence in many domains, including the information, technology, economic, and political spheres. Key democratic institutions often operate with significant knowledge deficits regarding the Chinese Communist Party’s opaque political system, Chinese language skills, and the ways in which the PRC’s outward-facing engagement is adapting and evolving. How should democracies fill these crucial knowledge gaps? What role can key diaspora, academic institutions, and civil society organizations play at a global level to shrink such deficits? Journal of Democracy author and Professor at Australia’s Swinburne University of Technology John Fitzgerald, Hong Kong native and Advisor at Central Asia’s OSCE Academy Niva Yau, and CEO of Taiwan’s Doublethink Lab TtCat discussed how their societies have leveraged expertise on China to address democratic vulnerabilities, and how others might be able to do the same. Christopher Walker, vice president for studies and analysis at the National Endowment for Democracy, and Kevin Sheives, deputy director at the International Forum for Democratic Studies, co-hosted the conversations. For further insights on modern authoritarian influence, check out the International Forum’s companion blog, “Power 3.0 Understanding Modern Authoritarian Influence.” You can find additional resources on the NED website and join the conversation with us on Facebook and Twitter. The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff. Photo Credit: Ran Sinee/Shutterstock.com.

Duration:01:06:08

Digitalization and Democracy in Mauritius: A Conversation with Roukaya Kasenally

2/2/2023
In 2016, Mauritius announced the launch of a “safe city” project—a public-security initiative deploying cameras and other advanced digital technologies from the controversial PRC-based vendor Huawei. Shrouded in opacity and set up outside standard oversight mechanisms, the project raises the specter of surveillance and digital control in the country. In this episode of the Power 3.0 podcast, featured guest Roukaya Kasenally discusses how the Mauritius Safe City Project could worsen backsliding in one of Africa’s most stable democracies. Drawing on her essay for the International Forum for Democratic Studies’ recent report Smart Cities and Democratic Vulnerabilities, Kasenally will explain what the Mauritian experience tells us about responding to China’s smart city exports, and the broader dangers of digital development in the absence of democratic guardrails. Roukaya Kasenally is an associate professor at the University of Mauritius and an alumna of the National Endowment for Democracy’s Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program. Christopher Walker, vice president for studies and analysis at the National Endowment for Democracy, and Beth Kerley, a program officer at the International Forum for Democratic Studies, cohost the conversation. For further insights on emerging technologies and democracy, check out the International Forum’s companion blog, “Power 3.0 Understanding Modern Authoritarian Influence,” and tune into our upcoming virtual discussion on Tuesday, February 7, from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm EST to learn more about the digital risks of smart cities in an era of democratic backsliding. You can find additional resources on the NED website and join the conversation with us on Facebook and Twitter. The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff. Photo Credit: Agilard/Shutterstock.com.

Duration:00:27:54

Kleptocratic Networks in Angola: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back? A Conversation with Rafael Marques

1/17/2023
Angola has long been ranked among the most corrupt countries in the world. Although many hoped the Southern African country would improve its good governance and human rights record when long-time autocrat Jose dos Santos stepped down, deep kleptocratic networks persist. In this episode of the Power 3.0 podcast, featured guest Rafael Marques discusses the state of kleptocracy in Angola, the role of Portugal in facilitating and enabling kleptocracy, and the country’s unrelenting attempts to silence courageous activists working to bring about democratic change. Rafael Marques is an anti-corruption activist and founder of the investigative outlet Maka Angola. John Glenn, senior director of the International Forum for Democratic Studies, and Melissa Aten, a senior program officer focusing on transnational kleptocracy, cohost the conversation. For further insights on transnational kleptocracy, check out the International Forum’s companion blog, “Power 3.0 Understanding Modern Authoritarian Influence,” and tune into the launch event for our forthcoming report, Kleptocratic Adaptation: Next Steps in the Battle Against Kleptocracy. You can find additional resources on the NED website and join the conversation with us on Facebook and Twitter. The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff. Photo Credit: Spixel/Shutterstock.com.

Duration:00:22:36

Turning the Tables on Russian Disinformation in Ukraine: A Conversation with Jakub Kalenský

12/7/2022
Like other autocratic actors, the Kremlin deploys disinformation to confuse the public, attract allies, escape accountability, and strengthen its hold on power. Yet a documented intensification of disinformation operations around the invasion of Ukraine has failed to sway Ukrainians, whose overwhelming support for self-determination has only risen since the full-scale invasion began. In this episode of the Power 3.0 podcast, featured guest Jakub Kalenský discusses Ukrainian resilience against Russian disinformation and his ideas for how defenders of democracy around the world can retake the initiative in the information space. Jakub Kalenský is a senior analyst at the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats. John Glenn, senior director of the International Forum for Democratic Studies, and Adam Fivenson, a senior program officer at the International Forum focusing on information space integrity, cohost the conversation. The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff. Photo Credit: Tverdokhlib/Shutterstock.com

Duration:00:24:59

Can Democratic Norms Catch Up with AI Surveillance? A Conversation with Vidushi Marda

10/20/2022
Through tools such as facial recognition cameras and social media monitoring software, artificial intelligence (AI) is offering governments new ways to keep tabs on people’s conversations, movements, and activities. Advocates warn that in the absence of clear-cut rules, these new capabilities could erode the rule of law in some settings and deepen authoritarian control in others. In this episode of the Power 3.0 podcast, featured guest Vidushi Marda discusses the global AI surveillance market, the struggle to set ground rules for emerging technologies, and how governments’ race to adopt cutting-edge tools could threaten the democratic principles of transparency and accountability. Vidushi Marda is a senior program officer at Article 19, where she leads research and engagement on the human rights implications of machine learning. Christopher Walker, vice president for studies and analysis at the National Endowment for Democracy, and Beth Kerley, a program officer at the International Forum for Democratic Studies, cohost the conversation. The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff. Photo Credit: Scharfsinn/Shutterstock.com

Duration:00:27:09

Countering Kleptocracy After Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: A Conversation with Jason Sharman

9/6/2022
Russia’s war in Ukraine highlighted the transnational impact of kleptocracy in financing and empowering autocratic regimes. Russian oligarchs living abroad were sanctioned and stepped down from the boards of influential Western institutions, and other measures were taken to choke off this transnational, supercharged form of corruption. In this episode of the Power 3.0 podcast, featured guest Jason Sharman discusses democracies’ remarkably unified early response, and asks what comes next: how kleptocrats might continue to evade sanctions and otherwise adapt, and the challenges of moving from “freezing” to “seizing” assets as an effective counter-kleptocracy measure. Jason Sharman is the Sir Patrick Sheehy professor of international relations in the department of politics and international studies at the University of Cambridge. John Glenn, senior director of the International Forum for Democratic Studies, and Melissa Aten, a senior program officer at the International Forum, cohost the conversation. The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff. Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com/Oleg Elkov

Duration:00:23:59

We’re Back! Relaunching Power 3.0

9/6/2022
Welcome back to the Power 3.0 podcast! Here at Power 3.0, we explore how new forms of authoritarian influence are reshaping the contest over democratic values. On monthly episodes, we’ll be talking with remarkable guests about their expertise and personal experiences. You’ll hear from civil society activists, journalists, researchers, and other leaders on the frontlines of the fight to defend democracy. Through these conversations, we’ll tackle some of the most pressing global challenges to democracy and deepen our understanding of the modern authoritarian playbook. The fight for democracy is personal for many of us—and it’s about more than playing defense. We hope the inspirational stories we share on this podcast will energize on-the-ground efforts to bolster democratic resilience. Subscribe to Power 3.0 to automatically receive the latest episodes, and tune in now to our brand new conversation with professor Jason Sharman about how Russia’s war in Ukraine is shaping efforts to tackle transnational kleptocracy. The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff. Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com/JuShoot

Duration:00:07:29

Containing COVID-19 Disinformation: A Conversation with Three Experts

5/20/2021
In this episode of the Power 3.0 podcast, International Forum program officer Dean Jackson interviews three experts about how COVID-19 has accelerated disinformation challenges that undermine the integrity of the information space, and how public officials, civil society actors, and technology platforms can facilitate more effective communication of facts in an increasingly crowded information environment. Featured guests include Vladimir Rouvinski, associate professor of political science at Icesi University in Colombia; Renee DiResta, research manager at the Stanford Internet Observatory; and Will Moy, founder and CEO of Full-Fact, an independent fact-checking charity based in the United Kingdom. Christopher Walker, NED vice president for studies and analysis, hosts the conversation. For more on this topic, read the International Forum’s Global Insights essay collection, “COVID-19 and the Information Space: Boosting the Response.” The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff.

Duration:00:26:17

China, the Party, and the World: A Conversation with Mareike Ohlberg

9/24/2020
In this episode, featured guest Mareike Ohlberg discusses how the Chinese Communist Party targets decision makers abroad through a mix of coercive, corrupting, and censorship-inducing strategies, with the aim of influencing narratives about the Party’s domestic and international legitimacy. Mareike Ohlberg is a senior fellow in the Asia Program at the German Marshall Fund, where she also co-leads the Stockholm China Forum. Christopher Walker, NED vice president for studies and analysis, and Shanthi Kalathil, senior director of NED’s International Forum for Democratic Studies, cohost the conversation. The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff.

Duration:00:32:36

The Changing Global Media Landscape (Part II): A Conversation with Claire Wardle

9/10/2020
In this episode of the Power 3.0 podcast, featured guest Claire Wardle discusses how the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation has disrupted the global media space and offers suggestions for how journalists, media, digital platforms, and other civil society organizations can respond more effectively while preserving free expression and democratic institutions. Claire Wardle is executive director of First Draft. Christopher Walker, NED vice president for studies and analysis, and Shanthi Kalathil, senior director of NED’s International Forum for Democratic Studies, cohost the conversation. The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff.

Duration:00:33:18

The Changing Global Media Landscape (Part I): A Conversation with Jamie Fly

6/3/2020
In this episode of the Power 3.0 podcast, featured guest Jamie Fly discusses mounting pressures facing independent media outlets around the world, ranging from intensifying economic constraints resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, to increased competition from ambitious authoritarian and illiberal actors taking advantage of the crisis. Jamie Fly is president of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Christopher Walker, NED vice president for studies and analysis, and Shanthi Kalathil, senior director of NED’s International Forum for Democratic Studies, cohost the conversation. The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff.

Duration:00:29:53

Beijing’s Mask Diplomacy and Power Plays in Europe: A Conversation with Lucrezia Poggetti

5/19/2020
In this episode of the Power 3.0 podcast, featured guest Lucrezia Poggetti discusses the evolving dynamics of Beijing’s influence operations in the European Union—and in her own native Italy—in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as how various European audiences have reacted to China’s “mask diplomacy.” Lucrezia Poggetti is an analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) in Berlin, Germany, where her research focuses on Europe-China relations. Christopher Walker, NED vice president for studies and analysis, and Shanthi Kalathil, senior director of NED’s International Forum for Democratic Studies, cohost the conversation. The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff.

Duration:00:24:31

Breaking the Truth: A Conversation with Samuel Woolley

1/28/2020
In this episode of the Power 3.0 podcast, featured guest Samuel Woolley discusses how human psychology helps drive individuals to share, consume, and believe disinformation, how these processes are already impacting politics globally, and how emerging technologies might exacerbate the challenge. Samuel Woolley is an assistant professor at UT-Austin’s Moody College of Communication and program director of disinformation research at the Center for Media Engagement at UT. Christopher Walker, NED vice president for studies and analysis, and Shanthi Kalathil, senior director of NED’s International Forum for Democratic Studies, cohost the conversation. For more on this topic, read Samuel Woolley and co-author Katie Joseff's working paper, "Demand for Deceit: How the Way We Think Drives Disinformation." The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff.

Duration:00:26:26

Authoritarian Technology and Disinformation: A Conversation with Natalia Antelava

12/17/2019
In this episode of the Power 3.0 podcast, featured guest Natalia Antelava discusses innovative approaches to reporting on two dual trends—the disinformation crisis and the impact of authoritarian technologies—in an increasingly crowded and noisy global information space. Natalia Antelava is co-founder and editor in chief of the award-winning media start-up Coda Story, an outlet dedicated to sustained, in-depth reporting on key trends that covers stories within a larger context. Christopher Walker, NED vice president for studies and analysis, and Shanthi Kalathil, senior director of NED’s International Forum for Democratic Studies, cohost the conversation. The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff.

Duration:00:24:25

Investigating Transnational Kleptocracy: A Conversation with Miranda Patrucic

12/3/2019
In this episode of the Power 3.0 podcast, featured guest Miranda Patrucic discusses how the cross-border networking of investigative journalists can be an effective tool for countering the challenge of modern transnational kleptocracy by following the money across international borders. Miranda Patrucic is an investigative reporter and regional editor for the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) focusing on Central Asia, the Balkans, and the Caucasus. Christopher Walker, NED vice president for studies and analysis, and Shanthi Kalathil, senior director of NED’s International Forum for Democratic Studies, cohost the conversation. The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff.

Duration:00:24:40

Demystifying Deepfakes: A Conversation with Sam Gregory

11/21/2019
In this episode of the Power 3.0 podcast, featured guest Sam Gregory discusses how synthetic media produced by artificial intelligence, often referred to as “deepfakes,” may soon be used by malicious actors to undermine democracy—and how civil society can prepare for this challenge. Sam Gregory is program director of WITNESS, where he has led a series of strategic shifts responding to complex and changing realities around technology, social media, and human rights. Christopher Walker, NED vice president for studies and analysis, and Shanthi Kalathil, senior director of NED’s International Forum for Democratic Studies, cohost the conversation. The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff.

Duration:00:29:45

Countering Kleptocracy from the Inside Out: A Conversation with Tutu Alicante

11/14/2019
In this episode of the Power 3.0 podcast, featured guest Tutu Alicante discusses the transnational elements of Equatorial Guinea’s kleptocracy, including its impact on regional and international institutions, and how coalitions of transnational civil society groups can respond. Tutu Alicante is the founding executive director of EG Justice and author of “To Catch a Kleptocrat: Lessons Learned from the Biens Mal Acquis Trials in France.” Christopher Walker, NED vice president for studies and analysis, and Shanthi Kalathil, senior director of NED’s International Forum for Democratic Studies, cohost the conversation. The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff.

Duration:00:30:34

Disinformation in the Global Arena: A Conversation with Peter Pomerantsev

10/22/2019
In this episode of the Power 3.0 podcast, featured guest Peter Pomerantsev discusses how changes in the modern information environment have been exploited by malign actors and facilitated the spread of disinformation around the world. Peter Pomerantsev is a senior visiting fellow and co-director of the Arena program at the Institute of Global Affairs at the London School of Economics. His newest book, This Is Not Propaganda: Adventures in the War Against Reality, travels to the frontlines of the disinformation age. Christopher Walker, NED vice president for studies and analysis, and Shanthi Kalathil, senior director of NED’s International Forum for Democratic Studies, cohost the conversation. For more on this topic, read Peter Pomerantsev's Journal of Democracy article, "Authoritarianism Goes Global (II): The Kremlin's Information War." The views expressed in this podcast represent the opinions and analysis of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for Democracy or its staff.

Duration:00:31:18