A top Putin critic on how to oppose Trump: "making him look like a loser is crucial"

[DonViejo]

A conversation with chess champion Garry Kasparov.

Updated by Alexander Bisley Feb 11, 2017, 8:00am EST

Garry Kasparov knows what it is to oppose an authoritarian ruler. The longtime world chess champion was arrested twice in his native Russia for opposing Vladimir Putin. Since 2013, he has lived with family in self-imposed exile in New York City, and is now the chair of the Human Rights Foundation. Winter Is Coming, Kasparov’s prescient book detailing Putinism’s rise and transnational menace, came out in paperback recently. Deep Thinking, his new book on chess and artificial intelligence, comes out May 2.

A Ronald Reagan and John McCain supporter, Kasparov is a critic of Trumpism. In this interview, Kasparov and I discussed Putin, Trump, the Steele dossier, and what chess can teach you about politics.

This conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Alexander Bisley

Writer Masha Gessen warns us: “Assume the worst.”

Garry Kasparov

Playing the calm voice of reason isn’t my strong suit despite my chess background, but it’s important to focus on what matters most so you don’t lose track in all the noise and chaos that Trump creates so effortlessly. During the campaign, even during the GOP primary, I wrote extensively about the menacing and, to me, familiar nature of Trump’s rhetoric. He used, and continues to use, the language of the strongman. Things are terrible and only he can solve the problems, we are surrounded by enemies and only he can protect you, etc. It’s very similar to the framing that Putin and other dictators use to justify their power.

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http://www.vox.com/conversations/2017/2/11/14577834/garry-kasparov-putin-trump

[2naSalit]

1. K&R

[KittyWampus]

2. That was a great read. Thanks for posting.

[dalton99a]

3. Kasparov has a lot of good insight.

[True Dough]

5. Is he still living outside of Russia?

I remember reading that he fled the country three or four years ago, fearing for his safety. For good reason. Too many political opponents there wind up poisoned or dead.

[dalton99a]

6. Yes, he is currently living in the U.S.

[True Dough]

4. Trump is accomplishing that all by himself

Looking like a loser, that is.