Democracy Maybe

Opposing Autocracy

A look at how autocratic leaders and tyrants undermine democracy, media failings, and those willing to challenge power.

Around the world, autocrats are clinging to power and undermining democracy.

To serve their own interests, some political leaders have destabilised democratic institutions and norms, paving their way to power, while still maintaining the illusion of democracy.

We begin in Minsk, Belarus, where we hear from 91-year-old Valentine, an unwavering supporter of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Next, we travel to Russia where we meet Vladimir Kara-Murza, a political activist and opponent of President Vladimir Putin, who has twice been the target of poisoning attacks. We hear from analyst Dmitry Oreshkin, who puts Putin’s hold on power in context.

We meet former Prime Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Honcharuk, who tells us his homeland is currently fighting what he describes as a “war against democracy”.

And finally, prominent exiled political activist Nathan Law explains the story of the Hong Kong democratic opposition movement.