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We used to have a pretty clear idea of what an autocrat was. History is full of examples: Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong. And today, we have the likes of Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orban.
So, how does an aspiring autocrat like Donald Trump stack up?
In a new six-part podcast series, The Making of an Autocrat, we’ve asked six experts from around the world to explain exactly how an autocrat is made – and how Trump is following this step-by-step formula to amass power.
In the first episode released today, Erica Frantz, an expert in authoritarianism at Michigan State University, explains how the first step for many strongmen is taking control of a party.
She explores how Trump began the process of transforming the Republican Party into his party a decade ago – and how this has given him a legitimate vehicle to begin dismantling American democracy.
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Justin Bergman
International Affairs Editor
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Justin Bergman, The Conversation
When a would-be autocrat dominates a party like Trump has with the Republicans, it gives him a legitimate vehicle to ram through a democracy.
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Ben McCann, University of Adelaide
The actor, singer, fashion icon and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot has died at 91.
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Johannes M. Luetz, University of the Sunshine Coast; UNSW Sydney; Alphacrucis College
Every new extinction ripples out beyond the affected species, from ecosystems to human knowledge across culture, spirituality and science.
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Catherine E. Wood, Swinburne University of Technology
If kids behave badly – or even just like kids – it can make catch-ups chaotic. And can strain adult friendships.
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Rick Sarre, University of South Australia; Elvio Anthony Sinopoli, University of South Australia; Jennifer McKay, University of South Australia; Joe McIntyre, University of South Australia; Juliette McIntyre, University of South Australia; Michelle Fernando, University of South Australia; Sarah Moulds, University of South Australia
From food delivery drivers to pets in separation and the much-discussed social media ban for teens, Australian law has undergone several important changes this year.
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Angelique Nadia Sweetman McInnes, CQUniversity Australia
Christmas lunch is over, all the presents are unwrapped. Now comes the hard part: paying for it all. Here are some steps to follow.
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Alexander Gillespie, University of Waikato
New Zealand compares well on global measures of freedom, happiness and transparency. But rankings in some important areas, including climate, drag the averages down.
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Milad Haghani, The University of Melbourne
We tend to think music relaxes us, energises us, or helps us focus when we’re behind the wheel. Here’s what the science says.
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Jemima McPhee, Australian National University
Ancient thinkers struggled to tell facts from falsehoods just like we do – and their strategies are still relevant today.
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Politics + Society
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Belinda Eslick, The University of Queensland; Fabiane Ramos, University of Southern Queensland; Laura Roberts, Flinders University
To say motherhood is life-changing can feel like an inadequate summation. Matrescence offers a way to understand it in all its complexity.
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John Arnold, University of South Australia; Tom Wycherley, University of South Australia
Cricket balls are incredibly hard and are the product of centuries of tradition and the extreme physical demands of the game.
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Robert Hortle, University of Tasmania
Australia’s history is full of eccentric MPs, including serial quiz show contestants and a prime minister who pumped iron for God.
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Health + Medicine
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Peter Carew, The University of Melbourne; Murdoch Children's Research Institute
While water usually drains naturally, a few tips can help speed things up and prevent swimmer’s ear, a common infection after swimming.
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Amanda Meyer, James Cook University; Monika Zimanyi, James Cook University
When we’re already self-conscious, this involuntary response can feel like an added punishment.
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Margaret Murray, Swinburne University of Technology
One is marginally higher in energy, protein, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, sugar and sodium. But which one is it? Christmas pudding or Christmas cake?
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Business + Economy
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Katharine Kemp, UNSW Sydney
Before you box up your unwanted presents and head to the shops, here’s what Australia’s consumer law says about asking for a return, exchange or refund.
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John Hawkins, University of Canberra; Tesfaye Gebremedhin, University of Canberra
From societies without money to profiteering aliens, the world of Star Trek has more to say about economics than you might think.
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Science + Technology
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Paulomi (Polly) Burey, University of Southern Queensland
With a little help from science, it’s surprisingly easy to make crystal clear ice in your home freezer.
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Jonti Horner, University of Southern Queensland; Duane Hamacher, The University of Melbourne
Or perhaps there was no star at all.
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Arts + Culture
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Prudence Rees-Lee, RMIT University
This December marks Daphne Oram’s centenary. She was a visionary and a key influence in the history of electronic music.
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Sam Whiting, RMIT University
I recently underwent an urgent surgery to have a cancerous growth removed – but this wasn’t enough of a reason for me to get a refund to a music festival.
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Books + Ideas
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Jo Case, The Conversation
Summer reading can mean anything you want it to – from a crime or romance novel to a fat classic you didn’t have time for during the year. What will you read?
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