ON TYRANNY, Timothy Snyder
Synopsis
On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century is a concise yet powerful guide for citizens seeking to understand and resist the rise of authoritarianism in the 21st century. Published in 2017 amidst growing concerns about democratic backsliding, particularly in the United States, the book draws heavily on Snyder’s expertise as a historian of 20th-century Europe, examining the historical precedents of fascism, Nazism, and communism to offer practical lessons for safeguarding democratic institutions and individual freedoms.
The core premise of On Tyranny is that history, while not repeating itself precisely, does offer crucial instructions. Snyder argues that the collapse of democratic regimes into tyranny is not an inevitable or sudden event, but rather a gradual process often enabled by the complacency and anticipatory obedience of citizens. He challenges the notion that modern democracies are inherently resilient, reminding readers that even well-established republics have succumbed to authoritarianism in the past.
Snyder distills his insights into twenty “lessons,” each presented as an imperative statement followed by a brief explanation and historical examples. These lessons serve as actionable advice for individuals to recognize and counteract the subtle and overt tactics employed by aspiring tyrants. Key themes woven throughout these lessons include:
The Danger of Anticipatory Obedience: Snyder emphasizes that much of a tyrant’s power is “freely given” by citizens who anticipate what a more repressive government might want and then offer their compliance without being asked. This “anticipatory obedience” teaches power what it can do and can lead to irreversible consequences.
Defending Institutions: Democratic institutions—such as the judiciary, the press, and political parties—do not protect themselves. Snyder urges citizens to actively defend these institutions by understanding their purpose and acting on their behalf, rather than passively assuming their resilience.
Beware the One-Party State: The book warns against the erosion of multi-party systems, highlighting how authoritarian regimes exploit historical moments to make political life impossible for opponents. Supporting fair elections and diverse political representation is crucial.
The Importance of Truth and Fact: Snyder argues that “to abandon facts is to abandon freedom.” In an era of “post-truth,” where emotions and personal beliefs often supersede verifiable information, he stresses the need to believe in truth, investigate claims, and resist propaganda.
Maintaining Professional Ethics: Professionals—including lawyers, doctors, and civil servants—play a critical role in upholding ethical standards. When political leaders set a negative example, adhering to professional commitments becomes a vital form of resistance, as authoritarians often rely on the complicity of various professions.
Civic Engagement and Community: Snyder encourages active participation in civic life beyond online interactions. Making eye contact and small talk, joining community organizations, and engaging in “corporeal politics” (getting outside and interacting with diverse people) helps build social cohesion and resist isolation, which tyrants exploit.
Language and Symbols: The book stresses the power of language and symbols. Citizens should be wary of dangerous words and slogans used by politicians to dehumanize groups or promote hate. Similarly, recognizing and resisting symbols of hate is essential, as “the symbols of today enable the reality of tomorrow.”
Courage and Patriotism: Snyder distinguishes between patriotism, which involves striving for a nation to live up to its ideals, and nationalism, which often involves abusing truth and law for self-serving narratives. He concludes with a powerful call for courage, asserting that individual acts of resistance, no matter how small, can break the spell of the status quo and inspire others.
In essence, On Tyranny is a clarion call for vigilance and active citizenship. It serves as a stark reminder that democracy is not a given but a fragile construct that requires continuous effort and defense from its citizens. By drawing lessons from the past, Snyder empowers readers with the knowledge and motivation to protect their freedoms in an increasingly uncertain political landscape.
A review of On Tyranny
In On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, Timothy Snyder, a Yale historian specializing in Eastern Europe and the Holocaust, delivers a concise yet potent warning for our times. Published in 2017, this slim volume offers a chillingly relevant guide to recognizing and resisting the creeping authoritarianism that Snyder argues is a perennial threat, drawing stark parallels between historical events and contemporary political trends.
Snyder distills his vast historical knowledge into twenty easily digestible lessons, each a practical piece of advice. From “Do not obey in advance” and “Beware of paramilitaries” to “Believe in truth” and “Be a patriot,” his directives are sharp and actionable. He emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility, critical thinking, and active participation in safeguarding democratic institutions. The book’s strength lies in its ability to connect the seemingly distant horrors of 20th-century fascism and communism to the subtle erosion of norms and institutions in modern democracies.
While its brevity is a virtue, making it accessible and impactful, some critics might find its historical analogies occasionally oversimplified or its tone overly alarmist. However, Snyder’s clear prose and urgent message resonate deeply, serving as a vital call to vigilance. On Tyranny is not just a historical analysis; it is a handbook for civic engagement, urging readers to learn from the past to protect the future. It’s an essential read for anyone concerned about the health of democratic societies and the enduring fragility of freedom.
