American historian examines authoritarian political systems and warns against Russian expansionist policy. Today she is honored with the Peace Prize of the German publishers. Anne Applebaum is a sought-after conversationalist. This fact is not only due to the fact that she is being awarded the 2024 Peace Prize of the Federation of German Publishers today, with which the curtain falls on this year’s Book Fair in Frankfurt. Another reason is the release in German of her new book “Autocracy Inc.”, in which she warns of a completely realistic threat to democratic countries. Authoritarian leaders, writes Ann Applebaum, are guided by extremely well-organized networks whose primary goal is to undermine democracy. It’s “Autocracy Inc.” the ideal book in bad times? However, the rights have already been sold in more than 20 countries.

For many years now, Anne Applebaum has been internationally considered one of the most important analysts of the policy of the Russian leader Vladimir Putin and the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The American journalist and historian has been warning for years now about the territorial “appetites” of the Russian president. He is the author of several works about the Soviet Union, which are also published in Greece. For example: “The Red Famine”, “Iron Curtain” and “The seduction of absolutism”. (Alexandria Publications)

We meet Applebaum in Frankfurt. The war in Ukraine, he tells Deutsche Welle, will only end when President Putin recognizes Ukraine’s sovereignty or when Russian forces, in his own country, turn against him. Anne Applebaum believes that there are already signs of such a development. A diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine is currently not an option, he believes. According to the American historian, anyone who bets on a diplomatic solution and therefore rejects further support for Ukraine is making a big mistake, Anne Applebaum believes.

“Democrats, unite!” she asks in her new book

Ann Applebaum was born in Washington, D.C. in 1964 to Jewish parents. He studied Russian history and literature at Yale and international relations at the London School of Economics. She started her journalistic career in 1988 as a correspondent in Poland.

She is married to Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski. For a long time now, her critical gaze has been directed not only at Eastern Europe, but also at the rise of the enemies of democracy around the world: Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, as well as the Iranian regime, China and President Tayyip Erdogan’s Turkey . They are populists, the American writer believes.

In her analysis Ann Applebaum points out that this is an authoritarian unholy alliance, which consists of networks that work together behind the scenes: economic, technological, military and diplomatic. She herself is determined to promote an alternative order. It is time for democratic states to react together: against disinformation and opaque financial transactions. “Democrats, unite!” she asks through her new book.

Contribution to the defense of democracy and peace

“At a time when democratic achievements and values ​​are in retreat and constantly under attack, her work is an extremely important contribution to the defense of democracy and peace,” observes the jury of the German Publishers Peace Prize in justifying the awarding of the top distinction. The Russian cultural expert Irina Serbakova will deliver the solemn speech. He tells DW: “Anne Applebaum has an important enlightening role.”

The Peace Prize of the Federation of German Publishers, which comes with a cash prize of 25,000 euros, was first awarded in 1950 and is considered one of the highest honors in Germany. The award honors personalities who have contributed with their work to understanding between peoples and cultures.

Editor: Stefanos Georgakopoulos