Defending Freedom: The Dictators’ Campaign Against Democracies

Unveiling the Global Struggle to Protect Civil Liberties in the Face of Rising Authoritarianism

On February 4, 2022, I felt deeply uneasy when I heard about the “no-limit partnership” announced between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. During a trip to China years prior, I had heard chilling stories from locals about government brutality and corruption that stuck with me. My friends described groups of people being shot in the head by the police for allegedly committing crimes. They also mentioned how you cannot own land in China and how the government can shut down your business anytime for any reason, which happens regularly. I’ve also heard similar stories from Russians who spoke of rampant corruption and the government operating like the mafia, where only the ruthless succeed. Both groups expressed deep envy of American freedoms, and hearing their stories gave me a new appreciation for the liberties I had unknowingly taken for granted.

My concerns about this “no-limit partnership” only intensified when I learned that China and Russia had been significantly ramping up joint military drills before their announcement, with plans to continue integrating their militaries. These developments prompted me to dig deeper into these two leaders and their growing alliance, so I began researching to understand the situation better. What I’ve discovered over the past 2.5 years has been alarming. If you’re a freedom-loving American like me, I strongly encourage you to continue reading. My goal is to distill what I’ve learned into a concise overview of the key points that I believe are crucial for understanding the gravity of the situation.

During the Cold War, the Soviet Union asserted that they wouldn’t need to invade the West to achieve victory. Instead, their strategy focused on infiltrating Western institutions and undermining confidence in Western culture and democratic values. This approach, known as “active measures,” aimed to destabilize democratic societies from within by spreading propaganda, influencing educational systems, and infiltrating media and government entities. As former KGB officer Yuri Bezmenov explained:

“The main emphasis of the KGB is not in the area of intelligence at all. Only about 15% of time, money, and manpower is spent on espionage as such. The other 85% is a slow process which we call either ideological subversion, active measures, or psychological warfare—what it basically means is to change the perception of reality of every American to such an extent that despite the abundance of information, no one is able to come to sensible conclusions in the interest of defending themselves, their families, their community, and their country.”

These tactics were designed to undermine Western societies from within, making them more susceptible to autocratic influence without the need for direct military confrontation. Unfortunately, this strategy of psychological and cultural warfare did not disappear with the dissolution of the Soviet Union; it remains a predominant tool in modern-day Russia. Similarly, China has adopted this approach, utilizing economic manipulation, cyber espionage, and political influence operations to destabilize the West and assert its global dominance without engaging in direct conflict.

Over the past two decades, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping have evolved into two of the most powerful and ruthless dictators in modern history, with Putin assuming the presidency of Russia in 2000 and Xi Jinping becoming President of China in 2013. Their pursuit of absolute power has been a slow, calculated process marked by years of strategic maneuvers. Both men have systematically dismantled opposition, consolidated control over their nations through a series of constitutional changes, and extended their influence far beyond their borders. Now, with absolute power secured and immense wealth amassed, their aggressive ambitions pose an unprecedented challenge to global stability and the values of freedom and democracy.

Let’s focus on Vladimir Putin for a moment, as he serves as the “ringleader” of the authoritarian “gang.” Putin’s violent demeanor is said to have started from an early age. Biographer Masha Gessen describes Putin’s childhood as characterized by frequent brawls and a no-retreat attitude. Accounts from his early years suggest that he was a bully who had no fear and would start fights with anyone. This combative nature was further reinforced through his training in judo, where he earned a black belt, showcasing his disciplined approach to conflict. Gessen and other biographers argue that Putin’s aggressive childhood and his subsequent involvement with the KGB played significant roles in shaping his authoritarian and often ruthless political style.

Putin joined the KGB after graduating from Leningrad State University in 1975, where he served as an intelligence officer. His tenure in the KGB, particularly during his time in East Germany, honed his espionage, surveillance, and manipulation skills. This experience instilled in him a deep-seated belief in the importance (or opportunity) of a robust and centralized state wielding absolute authority. The KGB’s culture of secrecy and power influenced Putin’s methods, leading him to use aggressive tactics to consolidate his position and suppress opposition. His KGB background fostered a mindset of preemptive action and domination, evident in his domestic and foreign policies, including his handling of political dissent and territorial ambitions.

Putin became Prime Minister of Russia in August 1999, during a period when Boris Yeltsin’s declining health left a power vacuum that Putin quickly began to fill. Within weeks of gaining power, Putin leveraged his position to launch a military campaign in Chechnya, marking the start of the Second Chechen War. This conflict, which resulted in as many as 80,000 deaths according to some estimates, was framed as an “anti-terrorist operation” and played a critical role in consolidating Putin’s power. It also set the tone for his presidency, characterized by an unrelenting drive to expand Russia’s influence and territory through military force. This aggressive approach has persisted throughout his time in power, cementing his reputation as a shrewd and ruthless leader while increasingly isolating Russia globally.

Vladimir Putin’s military conflicts have erupted repeatedly throughout his 24 years in power, causing immeasurable human suffering. Estimates suggest that millions of people may have lost their lives due to his aggressive campaigns, with countless others displaced and injured. These conflicts, ranging from the destruction of Grozny during the brutal Chechen wars to the annexation of Crimea and the ongoing devastation in Ukraine, have been marked by widespread atrocities, including indiscriminate bombings of civilian areas, the use of internationally banned weapons against civilians, and the relentless suppression of dissent. Beyond the staggering loss of life, the destabilization and displacement resulting from Putin’s ruthless pursuit of power have inflicted long-term suffering on tens of millions of innocent people.

Putin has not only wielded his military power to intimidate and subjugate sovereign territories but has also turned this force inward, exerting control over Russia’s wealth. By systematically nationalizing many of the country’s most profitable companies, he consolidated state power and ensured his regime’s dominance over vital economic sectors. To manipulate public perception, Putin framed these takeovers as “necessary steps to protect Russia’s economic sovereignty” and “national security.” In other words, he effectively seized control of Russia’s wealthiest companies and convinced his citizens that it was all in their best interest.

Beyond Russia’s borders, Putin has employed private military groups like the Wagner Group to extend his influence into resource-rich regions such as Africa, where he has a strong presence. In these areas, his private armies have violently seized control of valuable natural resources, including gold, diamonds, oil, gas, and rare earth minerals, often under the cynical pretext of “peacekeeping missions.” These actions underscore Putin’s barbaric and manipulative strategy of using both state and private military forces to enrich his regime and strengthen his geopolitical influence, all at the expense of foreign nations and his people.

Instead of viewing Vladimir Putin as the president of Russia, I find it more fitting to think of him as a global mafia boss. Unlike the regional mob figures portrayed in films like Casino or shows like The Sopranos, Putin wields one of the world’s largest armies and vast wealth, allowing him to commit large-scale crimes globally. 

Although the official salary of the President of Russia is approximately 8.65 million rubles per year (about $116,000 USD as of recent exchange rates), Vladimir Putin is widely believed to be one of the wealthiest people in the world. His exact net worth remains shrouded in secrecy, fueled by speculation about alleged stakes in various companies, hidden assets, and his control over wealth through a network of oligarchs and confidantes. Financier Bill Browder has even suggested that Putin might be the wealthiest individual globally, surpassing billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. With assets such as a $1.35 billion vacation home and private yachts worth hundreds of millions, it’s clear that Putin has somehow amassed substantial wealth far beyond his official salary as the so-called president of Russia, underscoring the deep corruption and exploitation at the core of his regime. This hidden fortune highlights the vast inequality under his rule and raises serious questions about the true cost of his authoritarian grip on power.

As a former high-ranking KGB officer, Vladimir Putin has not only mastered the art of manipulation and psychological warfare, but he has expanded these techniques to exert influence on a global scale, deterring international forces from challenging his agenda. Whether through extortion, bribery, blackmail, or strategic manipulation, Putin operates with the calculated precision of a criminal mastermind who seems untouchable. His vast personal wealth and tight control over Russia’s immense natural resources, particularly oil and gas, provide him with substantial leverage over foreign politicians and global markets, often forcing nations into compliance to avoid economic turmoil. Backed by an expansive spy network and a formidable military, Putin employs more than just financial leverage—he intimidates and coerces those who resist, ensuring submission by any means necessary. When softer tactics fail, his KGB-honed skills come into sharper focus, with credible reports of sabotage, cyber warfare, and targeted assassinations against those who dare to oppose him. This potent blend of wealth, espionage, and military power has allowed Putin to control narratives, destabilize opponents, and reshape global geopolitics to his advantage. Through these calculated and often ruthless strategies, he has amassed unparalleled wealth and influence, solidifying his status as one of the most formidable—and feared—leaders on the world stage.

Through his ruthless approach, Vladimir Putin has positioned himself as the de facto leader among the world’s autocrats. Understanding that a world dominated by authoritarian leaders serves his interests far better than democratic governments, he exports his expertise in coercion and power consolidation to like-minded regimes, instructing other dictators on tightening their grip on power and amassing wealth. Viktor Orbán of Hungary, who has adopted many of Putin’s authoritarian tactics to entrench his rule, is one of his most notable protégés. To safeguard these autocratic allies, Putin often deploys his private military forces as security services, helping stabilize these regimes and ensuring their loyalty. For instance, during the 2020 uprising in Belarus against Alexander Lukashenko, Putin swiftly sent his forces to quell the protests and maintain Lukashenko’s rule.

Similarly, he has stationed private military forces in Venezuela to protect Nicolás Maduro from internal and external threats. These authoritarian leaders, heavily reliant on Putin’s backing, operate much like mafia underbosses, enabling Putin to enrich himself further while expanding his global network of authoritarianism. This strategy has made Putin a pivotal figure in the resurgence of global authoritarianism, reshaping the political landscape to his advantage.

History often repeats itself, and both Russia and China have dark pasts marked by brutal dictators who committed horrific atrocities. While many perceive Russia as a more friendly nation due to its alliance with the U.S. during World War II, this narrative is not entirely accurate. The U.S. allied with the Soviet Union out of necessity because they shared a common enemy in Nazi Germany, not due to any deep-rooted friendship. As a result, history books in school tend to focus more on Hitler’s atrocities, often overshadowing the simultaneous horrors in Russia. Joseph Stalin is estimated to have caused the deaths of 20 million people, far surpassing Hitler’s death toll. Mao Zedong of China, responsible for the deaths of approximately 45 million people, eclipses them both. Disturbingly, Vladimir Putin is actively working to rehabilitate Stalin’s image in Russia, erecting new statues and monuments in his honor. Similarly, President Xi Jinping has endorsed Mao’s legacy in China, promoting Maoist ideology to reinforce his authority and the power of the Chinese Communist Party. This disturbing trend signals that both Russia and China are reverting to their brutal roots, with their leaders drawing on the darkest chapters of their histories to legitimize their current regimes.

Just like Stalin, who is infamous for executing his opposition, Putin is widely suspected of ordering numerous high-profile murders, targeting anyone who poses a threat to his regime. This includes figures like Anna Politkovskaya, a journalist critical of his brutal Chechen war, who was shot in 2006; Alexander Litvinenko, a former FSB officer poisoned with polonium-210 in London that same year; and Boris Nemtsov, an opposition politician who was gunned down near the Kremlin in 2015. The list extends to Alexei Navalny, a prominent opposition leader who barely survived an assassination attempt with the Novichok nerve agent in 2020, only to later die under suspicious circumstances in a Russian prison in 2024 after enduring harsh and life-threatening conditions. These are just a few of the high-profile executions linked to his regime. Still, the pattern of suspicious deaths among journalists, businessmen, government officials, political opponents, and even former allies continues at an alarming rate to this day, underscoring the lengths to which Putin will go to eliminate anyone who stands in his way.  

Mao Zedong’s regime in China established a brutal system of labor camps known as “Laogai,” an abbreviation for “Reform Through Labor,” echoing the oppressive practices seen in Soviet gulags. These camps were part of a systematic effort to crush political dissent, punish those labeled as enemies of the state, and enforce rigid ideological conformity. Millions of Chinese citizens were imprisoned and forced into grueling labor under inhumane conditions, leading to widespread suffering and countless deaths. The Laogai system wasn’t just a tool of repression; it was also a means to instill fear and maintain Mao’s iron grip on power, with effects that rippled through Chinese society long after his death.

In modern China, the grim legacy of oppressive labor camps persists, most notably in the Xinjiang region, where the government has established what many human rights organizations and international observers describe as concentration camps. Officially termed “re-education camps,” these facilities are central to the state’s broader crackdown on Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minorities. Credible reports, including those from the United Nations, estimate that over a million people have been detained and subjected to forced labor, ideological indoctrination, and severe human rights violations. This system represents a chilling continuation of the coercive control tactics that defined Mao’s era, now repackaged for the 21st century. The existence of these camps has drawn international condemnation, significantly straining China’s diplomatic relationships and casting a long shadow over its global image.

Although dictators like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping benefit significantly from economic ties with Western governments, they simultaneously despise the West for promoting democratic values such as human rights, liberty, and the rule of law—principles that threaten their authoritarian control. As a result, they relentlessly demonize it to their populations, portraying Western nations as hostile enemies with evil intentions. This tactic mirrors those of cult leaders, fostering an “us versus them” mentality. Putin’s rhetoric often reflects this, such as in his 2022 speech labeling the West as “satanic,” a narrative continuously amplified by state-controlled media to instill fear and loyalty within the populace. Similar messages are also continuously circulated throughout state-run media in China. 

If you’re noticing a trend between the bloody “peacekeeping operations” in Africa to conquer valuable resources, the “anti-terrorism” mission that dropped bombs on innocent civilians to conquer territory, Putin’s theft of Russian natural resources under the guise of “economic security,” and the countries who are trying to stop a genocide being referred to as “satanic,” you’ve likely recognized that he is an orchestrator of manipulation. By labeling his brutal actions with benign or favorable terms, Putin not only confuses and misleads the global community but also plays psychological games designed to obscure the truth and undermine any opposition. This tactic of rebranding atrocities as noble causes is a form of large-scale deception aimed at distorting reality and eroding the ability of others to challenge his narrative.

One thing I’ve learned about Putin’s Russia is that when their propaganda network boasts about something, it’s almost always a lie; if they’re denying something, it’s likely true. This pervasive pattern, entrenched for decades, reveals a calculated strategy of deception designed to manipulate public perception and obscure the truth. Although much of their misinformation can be easily debunked, it still deceives countless people. For instance, when influential figures on mainstream media and large podcasts assert that Russia upholds traditional Christian values, many accept this narrative at face value without questioning the claims being made. You might have heard such allegations and thought to yourself - wait a minute, how is Russia upholding Christian values when they are bombing children’s cancer hospitals and illegally trafficking tens of thousands of children out of Ukraine after murdering their parents? Let’s set aside all of the horrific war crimes for a moment and focus on the dark history between the state and the Russian Orthodox Church, which often gets overlooked.

With just a little research, you’ll uncover how Stalin waged war on the church, imprisoning or executing countless clergy members and closing, repurposing, or even demolishing churches. After facing brutal persecution under Stalin and nearly being eradicated, the Russian Orthodox Church has since been revived by Putin’s regime. However, it is now led by individuals with troubling pasts, including Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, the current leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, who is a former KGB agent. With KGB/FSB agents and affiliates now running the Church, Putin has been able to create an incredibly powerful propaganda machine in Russia. There are countless videos online showing these KGB/FSB “preachers” promoting Putin’s war and encouraging women to have more children who can fight in his battles. They glorify the concept of dying for “mother Russia” and even bless machine guns and tanks with “holy water” before sending troops to Ukraine to slaughter innocent civilians. This dark history sheds light on the complex and disturbing relationship between the Russian state and the church, completely undermining the narrative that Russia is preserving Christian values.

By constantly peddling dishonest propaganda, Putin creates a smokescreen that confuses the public and leads to disengagement. This tactic, a form of psychological warfare known as gaslighting, effectively distorts reality by overwhelming people with contradictory information, making it too confusing for them to pay attention to his atrocities. This strategic approach to disorienting people solidifies his grip on power and serves as a model for other dictators to adopt the same strategy. This is why it’s crucial to fact-check the information you’re presented with, as this “gang” of dictators is incredibly wealthy and can pay seemingly credible people, such as Tucker Carlson, who has propagated the narrative that Russia is upholding Christian values. Carlson’s rhetoric is particularly dangerous because it frames an authoritarian regime as a defender of Western ideals, misleading millions of Americans into sympathizing with a government that systematically undermines religion, democracy, freedom of the press, and human rights. This manipulation of religious and cultural values is a classic tactic of authoritarian propaganda, designed to exploit the beliefs and emotions of the public to create confusion and weaken democratic resistance. 

As mentioned, I had a bad gut feeling on February 4, 2022, when Putin announced his ambiguous “no-limit partnership” with Xi Jinping. Just weeks later, on February 24, 2022, Putin invaded Ukraine, raising questions about the timing of their meeting and the implications of their joint military drills. They likely discussed the impending war before announcing their partnership, as it would have put Xi in a difficult position if this information hadn’t been disclosed. Given this, along with the fact that Xi never condemned the war, it seems reasonable to believe that both Putin and Xi fully expected the Russian army to capture Kyiv within days. Had Putin succeeded in his goal of conquering Ukraine quickly, it’s plausible that Xi would have seized the opportunity to invade Taiwan, providing more context to the meaning behind their “no-limit partnership.” Such a scenario would have granted these dictators unprecedented confidence, momentum, and access to vast resources, territories, and advanced technologies.

The announcement of the “no-limit partnership” between Putin and Xi appears to have formalized a long-standing alliance that has been quietly evolving over the years, primarily focused on securing natural resources. In this partnership, Russia acts as the “muscle,” using its propaganda machine and private military forces to aggressively seize valuable resources worldwide, particularly in Africa. Russia typically retains control over oil, gas, gold, and diamonds while handing China the high-tech resources like rare earth minerals—such as neodymium and dysprosium—vital for manufacturing electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced electronics. China, acting as the “brain” in this relationship, leverages these minerals to advance its technological capabilities and drive its strategy for global dominance. This collaboration underscores China’s ambition to monopolize essential resources in the technology sector. At the same time, Russia’s “no-limit” approach ensures the seizure and control of these assets, helping both regimes expand their power and influence on the global stage.

Given that Ukraine is one of the richest European countries in natural resources, including rare earth minerals, valued at $7.5 trillion according to the Ukrainian Institute for the Future, the “no-limit partners” stood to gain immensely from Putin’s “special military operation,” making it no surprise that they met in person just days before the invasion. Success in Ukraine would have been massively impactful to these dictators, allowing them to advance their ambitions for global dominance through the immense wealth they would have gained, exemplifying their unified strategy to amass power at all costs, regardless of innocent lives lost.

In his public statements, Putin seemed very confident that he could conquer Ukraine within a matter of days, with many Russian officials and state-run media openly stating plans to continue invading other democratic countries such as Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia after Ukraine. However, as it became clear that Ukraine would not submit to his brutal aggression, panic set in, and Putin began rallying other dictators worldwide to support his war against Western nations and their allies. He quickly turned to Iran for deadly drones, clearly intended to target innocent civilians in major cities. Iran complied and has been supplying Russia with these deadly drones throughout the war.

On October 7th, coinciding with Putin’s birthday, Iran orchestrated a horrific terrorist attack in Israel through their proxy forces, killing 1,400 innocent men, women, and children—almost as if creating more global chaos by attacking a Western-aligned country was a twisted birthday gift for Putin. Many experts suggest that Putin desperately sought a second global conflict to divert attention and resources away from his failing war in Ukraine.

Putin then turned to North Korea, securing millions of artillery shells to bolster his war efforts. There is speculation that these shells might have originated from China, with North Korea acting as a middleman to obscure China’s involvement. Shortly after the artillery shells arrived in Russia, North Korea began testing new nuclear missile technology, likely acquired in exchange for its support. Echoing Iran’s actions, North Korea also escalated provocations against Western-aligned countries, including launching ballistic missiles over Japanese territory, ramping up military drills, and threatening preemptive nuclear strikes. These actions further heightened tensions between dictatorships and democracies, adding to the global chaos that Putin seems not only to be encouraging but actively orchestrating.

Putin has not only made rare visits to Iran and North Korea but has also sent warships to Cuba, raising concerns about their cargo. Moreover, he has taken an alarming step by inviting representatives from some of the world’s most dangerous terrorist organizations, such as Hezbollah and Hamas, to Moscow for in-person meetings. These actions underscore Putin’s willingness to align with violent extremist groups to further his anti-democratic agenda. By openly collaborating with such entities, he reveals his intent to destabilize and weaken democracies worldwide, highlighting the extent of his malice and determination to disrupt global stability at any cost.

Putin created further global chaos with his threats to Europe by illegally transferring nuclear weapons to his dictator ally, Alexander Lukashenko, in Belarus on June 16, 2023. This blatant violation of international law directly contravenes the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which Russia signed, pledging not to transfer nuclear weapons outside its borders. Additionally, there are growing suspicions that Russia may have secretly provided Iran with nuclear capabilities, as Iran now claims to be just days away from possessing a nuclear weapon—a weapon they have openly discussed using against Israel. This further underscores how dictators are uniting to threaten the very existence of democracies.

Over the past 2.5 years, I have come to understand that Putin is an incredibly evil bully with no regard whatsoever for human life and massive ambitions to conquer the planet. He is single-handedly generating immense global chaos, and without the united front of Europe and the United States, there would be nothing to slow down his violent quest for global dominance - along with his “No-limit pattern,” Xi. But what is sparking all of this chaos, and why is it happening right now? This is a complex question with many answers, including Putin’s advancing age, Russia’s declining population of military-age men, significant economic pressures, and the perception of weakening Western influence. However, I believe the most critical factor driving these dictators to unite and weaken democracies at this moment is the rapid advancement in artificial intelligence, which they see as a tool to cement their power and undermine democratic institutions globally.

The emergence of AI represents an incredibly powerful tool with the potential to revolutionize our world, making life more efficient, enjoyable, and effortless. As technology advances, society becomes more intelligent, making the concept of dictatorships increasingly archaic and absurd. All human-based governments will eventually become outdated. By incorporating AI into government, we could eliminate the issues of emotions, egos, and corruption that cause governments to operate so slowly and inefficiently. Without the enormous amounts of money lost to corruption each year, the global quality of life would improve, creating positive momentum for humanity. 

However, this same technology can be weaponized, providing dictators with a means to acquire more power by developing highly intelligent, destructive weapons. These AI-powered tools could fortify regimes, enabling them to pursue their ambitions for greater power and wealth with unprecedented lethality. This isn’t a nightmarish theory—it’s unfolding before our eyes as AI becomes increasingly integrated into weapons in the Russia/Ukraine war. 

Beyond creating highly effective weapons, dictators leverage advanced technology to gain unprecedented control over their citizens. This disturbing reality is unfolding in China, where the government has deployed intelligent surveillance systems, implemented social credit scores, and issued digital IDs. These technologies enable China to monitor, manipulate, and control every aspect of its citizens’ lives, effectively transforming large populations into digital slaves. China has started exporting this system to countries such as Russia, Iran, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Ecuador, Venezuela, and India, where it is being rolled out. This expansion strengthens authoritarian regimes and facilitates the spread of authoritarian practices by providing a simple turnkey system for world leaders to quickly gain complete control over an entire nation, often with alarming speed. If left unchecked, this trend could spread rapidly, threatening to erode human rights, ultimately reshaping the world order to favor autocratic rule over democratic principles.

Although China did not invade Taiwan after Putin failed in Ukraine, they have significantly ramped up provocations by encircling the island with warships and broadcasting messages of an imminent attack across Chinese airwaves. If you’ve been following this situation, you probably know that Taiwan is the world’s largest producer of advanced microchips, essential for AI development and numerous high-tech applications. These microchips are a cornerstone of the global tech industry, powering everything from smartphones to advanced weaponry. China’s interest in Taiwan is not just territorial; it’s heavily driven by the strategic importance of controlling these microchip production capabilities. Due to strong international restrictions, China struggles to acquire the most advanced microchips. By gaining control over Taiwan, China could secure a dominant position in the global technology race, giving it unparalleled influence over AI and other critical technologies. This strategic dominance would significantly shift the balance of power toward authoritarian regimes.

World War III has begun whether we want to accept it or not. However, because NATO is currently united and stronger than Russia and China, the war has remained contained mainly in Ukraine, with brief conflicts breaking out in Israel and Armenia—two regions where Putin’s influence is strongly felt. Without NATO, the situation would be drastically different. Russia would likely overrun Ukraine and continue its aggressive push through Europe, as their rhetoric suggests. China would face little resistance in invading Taiwan and possibly other countries they continually bully, such as the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This scenario would also encourage North Korea to launch nuclear missiles without fear of repercussions, especially under the protection of both China and Russia. Meanwhile, Israel would likely stand little chance against the Iranian regime, which openly expresses its desire to obtain nuclear weapons and eradicate Israel.

For 2.5 years, Ukraine has done a tremendous job fighting back against Putin’s vicious army. Against all odds, they managed to cripple his Black Sea Fleet significantly, sinking the flagship Moskva and at least a dozen other vessels, along with a submarine, forcing the remaining ships to retreat from the area. Ukraine has also delivered Putin a massive financial blow by targeting and destroying several key oil refineries and supply depots. Furthermore, they’ve decimated a substantial portion of Putin’s war machine, including over 8,500 tanks and 700 aircraft. Ukraine is the first nation to punch the bully back, and now, the lifelong bully is getting his ass kicked for the very first time.

Despite Putin’s extensive propaganda efforts to downplay the impact of sanctions, the reality is that they have significantly weakened Russia’s economy. These sanctions have led to a sharp decline in GDP, high inflation rates, and a drastic reduction in foreign investments. Critical sectors, particularly technology and energy, have been severely affected, with shortages of essential components like semiconductors crippling Russia’s industrial and military capabilities. Although Putin and his officials publicly claim that sanctions are ineffective, they simultaneously push for their removal because these measures severely limit Russia’s ability to produce high-tech weapons, especially those requiring advanced microchips. While China might be willing to supply these components, Western nations have successfully restricted China’s access to such critical technology due to its aggressive ambitions—again, one of the significant reasons behind Xi’s interest in Taiwan, which houses the world’s most advanced microchip factories. As long as these sanctions remain in place, Putin’s prospects of achieving victory in Ukraine are increasingly bleak. Based on my in-depth understanding of the situation, it seems unlikely that Putin can sustain this war for more than another 6 to 12 months.

In addition to Russia’s deteriorating economic and technological situation, the country’s infrastructure is also crumbling under the strain of war and mismanagement. Millions of working-age men have either fled to avoid conscription or been sent to the front lines, leaving critical sectors severely understaffed and underfunded. This summer alone, multiple dams have collapsed, triggering massive floods, and last winter saw widespread water pipe failures across the country. However, it’s not just utility disasters wreaking havoc. Saboteurs within Russia, disillusioned with Putin’s regime, have also become increasingly active, with attacks on military infrastructure and factories occurring almost daily. These incidents have led to significant damage, including large factories burning to the ground. Putin’s shift toward a war economy is funneling resources and labor into weapon production, exacerbating these issues. As a result, Russia’s infrastructure is set to deteriorate even further this winter, creating a growing domestic crisis that Putin will struggle to contain.

Putin is at his weakest point since he first came to power 24 years ago, and the international community is closer than ever to putting a stop to his ruthless madness. With international arrest warrants issued for his war crimes coupled with powerful oligarchs in Russia growing increasingly furious as they watch their fortunes dwindle, Putin’s grip on power is slipping. A decisive defeat in Ukraine would not only signal the end of his criminal regime but could also trigger the collapse of the global network of authoritarian regimes that depend on his support and guidance. As the linchpin for many of the world’s violent dictators, Putin provides military backing, political cover, and the strategic expertise necessary for these regimes to suppress dissent and maintain power. His fall would leave these autocrats vulnerable, potentially leading to the collapse of authoritarianism in regions where his influence has been pivotal. The ripple effects of Putin’s defeat would weaken the grip of authoritarianism on a global scale, offering a rare opportunity for democratic movements in oppressed nations to regain momentum and hope.

On the other hand, if Putin were to secure a victory in Ukraine somehow, it would be catastrophic for democracies around the world. Beyond the “no-limit partners” securing over seven trillion dollars worth of natural resources, Putin would embolden Xi to invade Taiwan.  Putin would also gain control over 40 million people in Ukraine along with the country's strategic assets. This would significantly bolster his war machine with Ukraine’s highly skilled military personnel, similar to how he invaded Chechnya and is now using Chechen soldiers to fight against Ukraine. A conquered Ukraine would give Putin a heavily battle-hardened army on Europe’s borders, and it’s been stated countless times by Russian government officials and state media that they don’t plan on stopping in Ukraine. 

There is no doubt that the world would be far more dangerous without NATO, which serves as a cornerstone of global security by curbing the ambitions of authoritarian powers like Putin and Xi. NATO’s collective defense strategy prevents any nation from easily dominating or intimidating smaller, sovereign states. Beyond a military alliance, NATO represents a commitment to upholding democratic values and principles of sovereignty. Without NATO’s deterrence, the “no-limit partners” could expand their territories unchecked, threatening global peace. While NATO has never annexed territory, Putin, who regularly does, funds extensive propaganda campaigns to paint NATO as the aggressor and Russia as the defender—another example of the former KGB agent and lifelong bully manipulating the global community to perpetuate his atrocities.

It’s crucial to recognize that the United States is the backbone of NATO, making our country the primary target for dictators like Putin and Xi. Undermining the U.S. could trigger NATO’s collapse, paving the way for authoritarian regimes to dominate the globe. As former KGB officer Yuri Bezmenov explained, the Soviet strategy—and now the Russian and Chinese strategy—is to destroy the U.S. from within. This is evident in the relentless efforts by both countries to destabilize our society, from massive Russian bot farms constantly sowing discord online to China flooding our country with fentanyl at alarming rates. Both nations are also continually seeking to bribe and compromise our politicians, aiming to weaken and ultimately dismantle our democracy. With virtually limitless budgets, they have ample resources to lure our leaders into their fold, offering large sums of money and protection in exile for those willing to participate.

This coordinated assault on democracies poses a severe threat that we cannot afford to underestimate. It’s easy to take our liberties for granted since our ancestors are the ones who had to fight so hard for the freedom we now enjoy. Likewise, it’s easy to dismiss the Ukraine conflict as a distant war with no direct impact on the United States, but this is a dangerous assumption. Such thinking overlooks the broader implications for global stability and the preservation of democratic values worldwide. Underestimating this conflict could jeopardize not just Ukraine’s sovereignty but also the future of democracies everywhere. With trillions of dollars and global dominance at stake, authoritarian leaders are determined to dismantle NATO and consolidate their power, using rapid advancements in artificial intelligence to make their pursuit more insidious and harder to combat. We must defend our freedoms by ensuring no corrupt politicians gain power and sabotage our country on behalf of foreign adversaries for financial gain. Given the vast resources these regimes can offer, political betrayal is a very real threat. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and vocal because undermining the US is the easiest way to weaken NATO.

Putin and Xi are not loyal to any particular political party—they will bribe anyone in a position of power willing to cooperate with their agenda. In fact, it’s more advantageous for them to influence politicians on both sides of the aisle, fueling internal conflicts and gaining more significant sway over critical decisions. By deepening political divides and sowing discord, Russia and China can destabilize democratic institutions, erode public trust, and manipulate our political system to advance their agendas, which, again, is their stated objective. Their interference ensures that democracies are too fragmented and distracted by internal conflicts to counter external threats effectively. By acquiring corrupt politicians on both sides of the aisle and pitting us against each other, they can gradually erode our unity and slowly dismantle our institutions.

I know it can be difficult for many people to think objectively in this day and age, but let’s set politics aside for a moment and apply some critical thinking to this situation. Whether you identify as a Republican or a Democrat, there’s a long list of current and former politicians from both sides of the aisle who have come under scrutiny for possibly being compromised by China and/or Russia. While bribery is notoriously difficult to prove, names like Tulsi Gabbard, Hunter Biden, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Dana Rohrabacher, Rand Paul, Mitch McConnell, Dianne Feinstein, and Rudy Giuliani have all faced such allegations. Frankly, based on some of the available information, these suspicions are not without merit. Vladimir Putin must have been laughing out loud during the 2016 US presidential debates, watching both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump accuse each other of working for him on national TV. As a former KGB officer, it was likely a very proud moment for him to see the presidential candidates of the most powerful country in the world bickering in front of the entire world over who he compromised. Therefore, what if the real issue is that both sides have been compromised, and by fighting amongst ourselves, we are only making it easier for corruption to spread within our institutions? If that’s the case, then the joke is on us. 

Suspicion surrounding Hillary Clinton intensified in 2010 when she approved a controversial deal that sold 20% of the United States’ uranium supply to Rosatom, a Russian state-owned corporation effectively controlled by Vladimir Putin. That same year, Bill Clinton was paid $500,000 by a Russian corporation to deliver a speech in Moscow, while donations from individuals connected to Russia flowed into the Clinton Foundation. These events fueled widespread speculation that the Clintons had struck a backdoor deal with Putin—a notion that seems even more troubling in hindsight. Why would anyone sell uranium, the critical material for nuclear weapons, to a former KGB agent with a history of global aggression—an individual accused by numerous international organizations of committing war crimes against innocent civilians? Now, 14 years later, Putin and his regime regularly engage in nuclear blackmail, threatening democratic nations with complete destruction. Putin is also suspected of supplying nuclear technology to rogue states like Iran and North Korea and recently violated international law by transferring nuclear weapons to Belarus. The implications of the 2010 uranium deal have only grown more concerning as Putin continues to wield nuclear threats as a political weapon.

Suspicion surrounding Donald Trump’s connections to Russia has been a focal point of controversy for years. A notable concern arose from a statement by Donald Trump Jr. at a 2008 real estate conference, where he remarked, “Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets,” adding, “We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.” This period coincided with Donald Trump’s financial struggles, including bankruptcy filings for his Atlantic City casinos, at a time when most reputable American banks had blacklisted him due to all of his financial instability and frequent bankruptcies. Foreign intelligence agencies often target the financial information of influential individuals, particularly those in debt, as it presents opportunities for foreign powers to offer financial bailouts in exchange for future favors. The idea is that these individuals, desperate enough to accept the money, become vulnerable to the foreign power that helped them. Given Vladimir Putin’s KGB background and Trump Jr.’s acknowledgment of significant Russian financial inflows to the Trump Organization during a vulnerable time when American banks cut them off, it’s understandable why many have speculated that such financial ties could suggest Trump might be compromised by Putin.

The suspicion surrounding Trump and Russia resurfaced again in 2016 during his presidential campaign when Trump, during a live television interview, went off script and publicly asked Russia to find and release Hillary Clinton’s emails. This was just one of many red flags. Although the Mueller report could not establish a criminal conspiracy between Trump and Russia—something notoriously difficult to prove—the investigation did uncover a series of suspicious meetings between Trump campaign officials and Russian representatives before the election. Furthermore, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, one of Putin’s private military companies, openly bragged on video about Russia’s interference in the 2016 US election and implied that they would continue to interfere in future elections, reinforcing the findings of US intelligence agencies, which have consistently pointed to Russian efforts to manipulate the election in favor of Trump. 

After taking office in January 2017, President Trump held a controversial meeting in the Oval Office just a few months later, in May, with top Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. During this meeting, Russian state media captured a now-infamous image of Lavrov standing over a seated Trump at the Oval Office desk. This photo quickly went viral in Russia, symbolizing its perceived influence over the U.S. government and heightening concerns that Trump might be compromised by Putin.

Having done 2.5 years of research on dictators and coming from an entirely republican family, I can confidently say that I am not coming from a biased or uneducated perspective when I express my deep concern about Trump’s actions and statements, which align directly with the same forces actively working to dismantle our institutions. When Trump says sanctions against Russia don’t work, and J.D. Vance says, “I don’t really care what happens to Ukraine one way or another,” openly advocating against helping a democratic nation defend itself from a brutal dictator, you have to question whether they are entirely uninformed—which seems unlikely—or if Vladimir Putin is incentivizing them to spread this narrative. This stance is completely at odds with the core values of the Republican Party, which traditionally supports strong defense measures and standing by democratic allies. Moreover, it’s crystal clear that NATO is the only force capable of preventing Putin and Xi from advancing their global conquest, so when Trump talks about removing the United States from NATO, you have to consider the staggering price tag Putin would be willing to pay “the deal guy” for facilitating such deals. With tens of trillions of dollars on the line, one could only imagine it would be a colossal amount of money.

Trump’s statements and behaviors don’t just align with the interests of the “no-limit partners;” he’s also adopting the same playbook they use to cultivate a cult-like following. His entire campaign is fueled by fear, hate, and relentless misinformation—a strategy designed to exploit the most primal aspects of human psychology. When he makes inflammatory claims, such as suggesting that Kamala Harris would destroy the US economy if she were president, he triggers a primal reaction, rallying his base and solidifying their loyalty, regardless of the factual accuracy of his statements. He made similar doomsday statements when running against Joe Biden, but the economy has only strengthened under Biden’s administration, as evidenced by several critical indicators. The stock market has reached record highs, with indices like the S&P 500 and NASDAQ reflecting increased investor confidence. GDP growth has averaged around 2-3 percent annually, and consumer spending has surged, indicating heightened economic activity and consumer confidence.

By stoking fears of external threats and scapegoating certain groups, Trump positions himself as the sole protector against these manufactured dangers. Constantly spreading falsehoods and discrediting the media, Trump seeks to undermine trust in independent institutions and create a reality where his word is the only truth. This deliberate assault on facts and reason deepens political divides and weakens the very fabric of democracy, making it more susceptible to the influence of foreign adversaries. His rhetoric and actions are not just political maneuvering; they are part of a calculated effort to erode democratic norms and build a base of fiercely loyal supporters, regardless of the truth. In doing so, Trump mirrors the practices of authoritarian leaders, employing the same tactics of manipulation, misinformation, and fear to gain and maintain power—a strategy that poses a significant threat to the integrity and stability of our nation.

If you had to bet your life savings on Trump being one of the most dishonest presidents in US history -or- one of the most honest, where would you place your money? We think more logically and intelligently when our money is on the line. If you had bet on him being one of the most dishonest presidents in US history, you would have won the bet. Fact-checking organizations like The Washington Post’s Fact Checker, PolitiFact, and FactCheck.org have all tracked his statements and found unprecedented inaccuracies and falsehoods. For instance, The Washington Post recorded over 30,573 false or misleading claims during Trump’s four years in office, with a notable increase in the frequency of these claims as his term progressed, particularly during the 2020 presidential election. PolitiFact found that 70% of Trump’s statements they checked were either primarily false or entirely false. His rallies and speeches were particularly noted for their high volume of repeated and debunked claims, especially concerning topics like immigration, voter fraud, and the economy. Even some conservative-leaning outlets and commentators, such as The Dispatch and certain Fox News reporters, have acknowledged the frequency of Trump’s misleading statements, indicating a broad consensus across the political spectrum. This prolific pattern of misinformation and the sheer volume of false claims have led many observers to regard Trump as the most dishonest president in American history, which fundamentally weakens the very structure of our democratic institutions.

If you are kind-hearted enough to believe Trump would never exploit his position for personal gain, consider that his son-in-law, who held a prominent role in his administration, secured a $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia, an authoritarian nation he engaged with during his time in office. Additionally, Trump’s administration funneled millions of taxpayer dollars into his private businesses by hosting official events and accommodating government staff at Trump-owned properties. His trips to Mar-a-Lago alone reportedly cost taxpayers over $100 million, with a portion benefiting Trump’s businesses—and that’s just one of the properties involved. This is only a snapshot of a much larger issue that raises serious questions about Trump’s integrity and motives. It’s a stark reminder of how political influence can be leveraged for personal enrichment, often at the expense of national interests.

Not only does Donald Trump openly praise murderous dictators who wish for the demise of the United States, calling them intelligent and strong leaders, but he has also made alarming statements such as, “If I’m elected, you won’t have to vote anymore,” implying a dangerous shift away from democratic principles. Further, if you haven’t read Project 2025 or at least its key points, I would highly encourage you to do so, as it clearly outlines a vision that could drastically alter the structure of American governance. Keep in mind that nearly every dictator has employed this strategy of gradually undermining democratic institutions and consolidating power to achieve absolute control over their country. These troubling signals are so public and overt that it almost feels like Trump is gaslighting the public into believing that he couldn’t possibly have malicious intentions; otherwise, why would he be so upfront about it? But this transparency makes his actions even more dangerous—it normalizes the erosion of democratic principles right in front of our eyes.

To make matters worse, Trump is actively pursuing greater legal protections from criminal prosecution, leveraging the influence of his appointed Supreme Court justices, which could place him above the law and undermine the principles of accountability that are fundamental to our democracy. These are undoubtedly troubling signs. As citizens, we must remain vigilant and well-informed, understanding that complacency could lead to the authoritarianism we strive to prevent. Actively defending our democratic values is the only way to safeguard against the kind of vicious governance Putin and Xi wish upon us. 

To summarize, with the rapid advancement of AI, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the war being waged by dictators on democracies can only end with one side prevailing. Either AI will be harnessed to improve lives, rendering the concept of dictatorships utterly obsolete, or it will be weaponized to undermine democracies, making freedom and human rights a thing of the past. The coexistence of these two systems seems impossible. This is why I believe dictators are uniting and accelerating their efforts to dismantle democracies—they understand that if they don’t seize control now, their authoritarian regimes will likely collapse under the weight of a more enlightened and empowered global society.

In the ongoing war against democracies, dictators enjoy significant advantages because they don’t adhere to the rules. They amass tremendous wealth through corruption and use it as a weapon to bribe and coerce those willing to compromise their integrity for personal gain. Controlling and influencing massive media networks, they flood the airwaves with propaganda, distorting reality and leaving many people feeling completely disoriented. With decision-making concentrated in a single person, they can act swiftly and decisively, unlike democratic governments. Additionally, democracies must be vigilant and correct 100% of the time to protect their institutions, whereas dictators only need to succeed once to cause irreparable damage. To defend our core values, we must unite, stay informed, remain vigilant, and actively engage at this critical crossroads for humanity. Politics is not a sporting event; it’s not about your “team” winning or losing. What truly matters is that we don’t lose sight of our shared values or allow ourselves to be divided by infighting. When we waste energy arguing among ourselves about which party is more corrupt, we weaken our political system, playing directly into the hands of dictators like Putin and Xi. They thrive on division, which is why they invest heavily in propaganda and misinformation campaigns designed to fuel political tension. If we fall for it, we all lose. Instead, we must focus our energy on holding our leaders accountable, demanding integrity, and working together to strengthen our democracy. Democracies can only function effectively when citizens are discerning and united. Once we start blindly rallying behind flawed leaders, we begin to act more like subjects of autocracies than citizens of democracies.

Putin has been wreaking havoc around the globe for decades, but he is now at his weakest point, presenting a critical opportunity for the international community to dismantle his criminal regime once and for all. To prevent the dystopian future that Putin envisions, we must support Western-aligned nations like Israel, South Korea, Taiwan, and especially Ukraine, which stands on the front lines of this global conflict. By standing united and accelerating Putin’s downfall, we could initiate a chain reaction that weakens other authoritarian regimes and paves the way for a more just and free world.

I’ll leave you with a tip that has helped me identify potential compromises by foreign actors: closely observe which politicians are praised or criticized by Russian and Chinese state media. Their commentary often reveals a clear agenda. Remember that all the talking points on Russian and Chinese state TV are tightly controlled by their authoritarian regimes, so the leaders they vilify are likely seen as opponents to their goals. Currently, on Russian state TV, Donald Trump and J.D. Vance are commended for their favorable stances towards Russia, while figures like Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are met with disdain. Understanding this geopolitical game isn’t as complicated as it seems once you recognize the patterns.

I hope this article has shed some light on this critical issue, as the freedoms we enjoy are not only beautiful but incredibly rare when viewed against the vast history of humanity. If this message doesn’t resonate with you now, I encourage you to become more informed - outside of mainstream media. If it does, I strongly urge you to share this with others. We can protect our incredible country during these challenging times by staying vigilant and united.

While I have been incredibly meticulous in ensuring that everything stated in this article is 100% factual, we live in a world saturated with disinformation. Therefore, I encourage you to refrain from taking any information, including mine, at face value. It’s crucial to develop the habit of conducting your own research and critically evaluating all sources. For those seeking independent insights on this topic, YouTube offers many resources featuring experts with firsthand knowledge and deep expertise. I highly recommend the following channels for their insightful updates on the escalating conflict that dictators are waging against the democratic world:

• Silicon Curtain

• Inside Russia

• Anna from Ukraine

• Jake Broe

• China Uncensored

• Brian Tyler Cohen

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