Dissidents and Dictators

Casey and Elisha speak with Mark Clifford, author of a new biography of jailed Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai, about Beijing's brutality, the future of Hong Kong democracy, and how Jimmy became the face of a movement. They also talk about Jimmy's wide-ranging culinary tastes - and some of the most memorable meals Jimmy enjoyed before prison. SHOW NOTES: Link to Mark's new biography of Jimmy Lai: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Troublemaker/Mark-L-Clifford/9781668027691 Link to Mark's previous book on the history of Hong Kong: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250279170/todayhongkongtomorrowtheworld/

Casey and Elisha are joined by Togolese human rights activist Farida Nabourema to talk about her life growing up under the Gnassingbé dictatorships — Togo has been under single-family autocracy for more than 50 years — and the country's rampant crookedness. She also talks about how Bitcoin and blockchain offer solutions to Africa's longstanding issues with corruption and lack of trust in traditional financial institutions and how Bitcoin can offer a more transparent alternative.

Casey and Elisha talk about the latest revelations on how consulting firms in democratic countries became the best friends that dictators around the world could ask for. They discuss the recent news on how consulting firm McKinsey & Company opened its doors to clients in places like Saudi Arabia and China, and how these firms became allies for those trying to smother democracy. They also discuss the latest in the trial of Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai. Related Links: 1. Inside the Secret World of McKinsey: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/nov/20/mckinsey-fossil-fuels 2. The American Consulting Firms That Live in Fear of Their Murderous Clients: https://newrepublic.com/article/178942/consulting-firms-saudi-arabia-hearing

Casey and Elisha sit down with Benedict Rogers, a well-traveled journalist and human rights advocate, to discuss his experiences and insights from across the globe. From his roots in London to his professional ventures in Indonesia, Burma, and China, Benedict shares his journey and the significant socio-political changes he's witnessed. We delve into major topics, such as Indonesia's democratic progress, the rise of religion-based intolerance, and Burma's ongoing humanitarian crisis. Ben also shares his thoughts on Prabowo Subianto's rise to power in Indonesia and the state of democracy in the region.

Casey and Elisha sit down with Raqib Hameed Naik, an Indian journalist currently in exile because of his reporting. They discuss how Modi has degraded India's democracy and how Indian authorities are now targeting — and even allegedly assassinating — critics abroad. They discuss Raqib's own stories from Kashmir and why the world must wake up to what's now taking place in India.

Casey and Elisha chat with Mark Simon, previously one of Hong Kong's most prominent media executives — and a man now wanted by Beijing for his work exposing the crimes of the Chinese Communist Party. They talk about how the Chinese government has smothered media freedoms in Hong Kong and the ongoing trial of democracy activist Jimmy Lai.

Casey and Elisha talk with Nicaraguan democracy activist Felix Maradiaga about his lifelong push against authoritarian forces in Nicaragua. They discuss how Felix survived solitary confinement, Nicaragua's place in the global axis of authoritarianism, and what gives him hope for the future of Nicaraguan democracy. They also chat about the role of family for democratic activists.

Casey and Elisha open Season 2 with Leopoldo Lopez, the prominent Venezuelan politician and activist who has made a name for himself by building peaceful movements opposing the Maduro regime. For his efforts, he spent nearly seven years in prison, four in solitary confinement, and now lives in exile. The three discuss Lopez's upbringing in Venezuela, the family history that compelled him to enter politics, and what he loves most about the country he didn't want to leave. Lopez provides an assessment of Venezuela’s current political landscape following the stolen election in July and how he’s advocating for reform at the World Liberty Congress. Extreme sports are also discussed.

Casey and Elisha are joined by Cato Institute policy analyst and HRF fellow Nick Anthony to talk about money, the world of central bank digital currencies, and how they pose significant risks to privacy, financial freedom, and markets. They also discuss which countries are the worst offenders so far and how you can track their devious ways.

Casey and Elisha discuss HRF's newest report, investigating the UAE's breathtaking political interference campaign in the U.S. From illicit lobbying efforts to massive donations to leading think tanks and universities, to even secretly hiring America's leading military officers, the UAE's political influence campaign is arguably bigger - and far more successful - than anything any other dictatorship has ever authored. Learn more: Read HRF's report - "Infiltrating America: How the United Arab Emirates Launched an Unprecedented Political Interference Campaign in the United States" https://hrf.org/reports/infiltrating-america-how-the-united-arab-emirates-launched-an-unprecedented-political-interference-campaign-in-the-united-states/

Each year, the Human Rights Foundation brings together activists and dissidents at the Oslo Freedom Forum to call out injustice and expose threats to liberal democracy. This year, we are sharing our message of hope and resistance directly with you, in a special four-part series by the Human Rights Foundation, produced by FP Studios. Part four: “Art as Protest" with Nadia Hernández & Carlos Vives

Casey and Elisha speak with renowned Nicaraguan journalist Carlos Chamorro, who's continued his groundbreaking work even from exile. They talk about the tactics the Ortega regime has used to silence dissent in Nicaragua, how important investigative journalism is to holding authoritarians to account, and hear all about a Miss Universe scandal no one talked about.

Each year, the Human Rights Foundation brings together activists and dissidents at the Oslo Freedom Forum to call out injustice and expose threats to liberal democracy. This year, we are sharing our message of hope and resistance directly with you, in a special four-part series by the Human Rights Foundation, produced by FP Studios. Part Three: “AI for Activists" with Arthur Holland Michel

Over the weekend, the Iranian Supreme Court overturned the death sentence of Toomaj Salehi, the Iranian hip-hop artist who was charged with "corruption on earth" for his defense of the "Women, Life, Freedom" movement. His friend and social media manager, Negin Niknaam, joins Casey and Elisha to talk about Salehi. he also brings a special message from him, obtained in secret, exclusively for Human Rights Foundation and podcast listeners. HRF's legal and programs officer, Claudia Bennett, also joins to talk about what's next in the judicial process.

Each year, the Human Rights Foundation brings together activists and dissidents at the Oslo Freedom Forum to call out injustice and expose threats to liberal democracy. This year, we are sharing our message of hope and resistance directly with you, in a special four-part series by the Human Rights Foundation, produced by FP Studios. Part Two: “Shining the Light” with Sebastien Lai

Casey and Elisha are joined live from the Oslo Freedom Forum by real-life "Hotel Rwanda" hero Paul Rusesabagina and two of his children, daughters Carine and Anaise Kanimba, to talk about the banana beer recipe you probably haven't tried but should, family, adoptions, Rwanda, kidnappings, and an extraordinary international campaign that led to freedom. Paul also walks us through the last hours of his time in solitary confinement and what he was thinking all the while.

Each year, the Human Rights Foundation brings together activists and dissidents at the Oslo Freedom Forum to call out injustice and expose threats to liberal democracy. This year, we are sharing our message of hope and resistance directly with you, in a special four-part series produced by FP Studios and the Human Rights Foundation. Part One: “The Price of Freedom” with Anastasia Shevchenko

Casey and Elisha sit down with Bill Browder, the driving force behind the creation and expansion of Magnitsky sanctions over the past decade. They talk about how corrupt officials in Russia and elsewhere hate Magnitsky sanctions, and the allies Bill has found in his fight for justice. They also talk about the proposed Navalny Act, honoring slain Russian democratic activist Alexei Navalny. What’s up next for Bill? Freeing another Russian prisoner: Vladimir Kara-Murza.

Each year, the Human Rights Foundation brings together activists, dissidents, leading thinkers and innovators to Oslo, Norway, home of the Nobel Peace Prize, to empower and embolden others in their fight for freedom and democracy. This event is called The Oslo Freedom Forum. This year, we are sharing our message of hope and resistance directly with you, in a special four-part series produced by FP Studios and the Human Rights Foundation.

Casey speaks with leading Zimbabwean democracy activist Evan Mawarire, chatting about taking down tyrants, Evan’s struggle against the Mugabe regime, and how Zimbabwe’s flag became a symbol of democracy. They also discuss how Evan became one of, and potentially the, most charismatic democratic activists in the world.