Making an outrageous claim is one common tactic of an autocrat. So is sticking to it far beyond the time when it's even remotely believable. Autocrats often dare their followers to believe absurd claims, as a kind of loyalty test, because "humor and fear can be quite close together sometimes" says Peter Pomerantsev, highlighting the relationship between absurdity and loyalty in autocratic regimes.
Kamala Harris asserts that tyrants like Kim Jong Un recognize Trump's vulnerabilities—his susceptibility to flattery—and that he won't hold autocrats accountable, suggesting a shared inclination towards autocratic behavior.
In discussing how to spot signs of autocracy, the podcast emphasizes that recognizing these signs is vital for addressing the threats posed by leaders who exhibit such tendencies.
Pomerantsev and Applebaum explain how a population comes to believe lies and the implications of this on democracy, emphasizing the need for awareness and vigilance.
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