Remembering Hong Kong with Mark Simon

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/