We are not witnessing the spread of "fascism" or authoritarianism, but the spread of the mafia state. Not in the old-fashioned sense that some mafia cartels encroach into state structures and the state fights back.

But in the sense that mafia organizations begin to pose as nation states, acquire their rights and means, for their own criminal ends. This amounts to nothing less than new forms of mafia organization as of national statehood.

Russia was only the first and most prominent example. Other states, other state actors, follow suit. But the important thing remains: Mafia organizations replace the nation state, become indistinguishable from them, assume their rights and means for their private gain.