Explore the intersection of cryptography, politics, and authoritarianism in this thought-provoking conference talk from CypherCon 2.0. Delve into the rise of authoritarian tendencies globally and examine how surveillance technologies contribute to this trend. Analyze the relationship between authoritarianism scores and political support, particularly in the context of the Trump era. Investigate the role of cryptography in both empowering and potentially frustrating authoritarian regimes. Consider the political implications of cryptographers' work and their ability to influence societal outcomes. Reflect on the current framing of cryptography in public discourse and contemplate more realistic approaches to understanding its impact on democracy and freedom.