New York Times columnist and author M.Gessen on the slow strangulation of democracy, happening right now in Trump's America. M Gessen grew up in the Soviet Union and migrated to the US as a teenager before returning to Russia in the 90s to cover the country's brief attempt at democracy and then the slow slide back into autocratic rule under Vladimir Putin. M's insight into the mindset of the autocrat offers some clarity on why such leaders do the things they do and how they see the world. This Conversation was recorded at the Brisbane Powerhouse, as part of the Brisbane Writers Festival. Further Information M Gessen is an author and New York Times columnist, their latest book is Surviving Autocracy This episode of Conversations was produced by Alice Moldovan, Nicola Harrison is the Executive Producer. It covers US politics, President Donald Trump, democratic institutions, the Soviet Union, state terror, state tyranny, Vladimir Putin, journalism, protest, ICE, Minneapolis, autocratic rulers, power, dogma, mindset, democratic freedom, voting in elections, Hannah Arendt, Milan Kundera, mutual aid, organising. To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.