By revealing the stark choices before us-between equality or oligarchy, individuality or totality, truth and falsehood-Snyder restores our understanding of the basis of our way of life, offering a way forward in a time of terrible uncertainty. In this forceful and unsparing work of contemporary history, based on vast research as well as personal reporting, Snyder goes beyond the headlines to expose the true nature of the threat to democracy and law. This fundamental challenge to democracy presents an opportunity to better understand the pillars of our own political order. The rise of populism, the British vote against the EU, and the election of Donald Trump were all Russian goals, but their achievement reveals the vulnerability of Western societies and the uncertain character of Western political order.

Russia found allies among nationalists, oligarchs, and radicals everywhere, and its drive to dissolve Western institutions, states, and values found resonance within the West itself. In the 2010s, it has spread from east to west, aided by Russian warfare in Ukraine and cyberwar and information war in Europe and the United States. In particular, he will discuss how authoritarian leaders use language to delegitimize opposition. Authoritarianism returned to Russia, as Putin found fascist ideas that could be used to justify rule by the wealthy. Snyder will talk about the growing threats to democratic systems in Europe and the United States, including Russian interference in the 2016 US elections and manipulation of the media during the invasion of Ukraine. Observers declared the end of history, confident in a peaceful, globalized future. With the end of the Cold War, the victory of liberal democracy was thought to be final. From the author of On Tyranny comes a stunning new chronicle of the rise of authoritarianism from Russia to Europe and America.

Timothy snyder the road to unfreedom