Timothy Snyder - A Guide to Maintaining Democracy in "On Tyranny" | The Daily Show

Summary

In this interview, historian Timothy Snyder discusses the themes in his book *On Tyranny*, drawing parallels between the rise of fascism in the 1930s and current political challenges in the U.S. He emphasizes the dangers of the 'post-truth' era, where facts are distorted to undermine democracy, making resistance impossible. Snyder urges readers to learn from history to defend democratic principles, stressing the importance of truth in maintaining freedom. His compact book offers accessible lessons on recognizing and countering authoritarianism, encouraging vigilance and action to protect democracy.

Takeaways

• 😀 History teaches us valuable lessons about defending democracy, especially when facing authoritarianism.
• 😀 Timothy Snyder's book *On Tyranny* explores how history can help us understand and resist the rise of fascism and tyranny.
• 😀 Globalization is a key point of tension today, just as it was in the 1930s, with far-right movements blaming specific groups for its challenges.
• 😀 A major tactic of fascism is the rejection of truth, with authoritarian leaders using lies to undermine democracy.
• 😀 'Post-truth' politics is not a new phenomenon; it has been a tactic used by authoritarian regimes throughout history to destroy trust and enable regime change.
• 😀 Snyder stresses that when facts are disregarded, it becomes impossible to criticize power or organize resistance effectively.
• 😀 The decline of truth and the rise of spectacle, where those with the most money control the narrative, is a hallmark of authoritarian movements.
• 😀 While the rise of fascism in the 1930s provides a cautionary tale, the focus should be on learning from history to prevent similar outcomes today.
• 😀 Snyder argues that modern societies must protect democracy by staying vigilant, resisting lies, and prioritizing truth in public discourse.
• 😀 The danger of fascism is not just the leader but the failure of society to recognize and act against it, making it a collective responsibility to preserve democracy.

Q & A

Why did Timothy Snyder write a book about tyranny at this moment in history?

Snyder wrote the book to reflect on the lessons of history and offer guidance during a period of peril, drawing from both American traditions and 200 years of failed democracies to learn from past mistakes.

What does Snyder mean by learning from history in the context of tyranny?

Snyder emphasizes that history offers vital lessons on how democracy can fail and how societies can prevent such failures, urging readers to learn from past mistakes to protect democracy today.

What similarities does Snyder see between the Trump administration and the rise of fascism in the 1930s?

Snyder notes that both involve challenges to globalization, with far-right figures blaming specific groups (such as Jews or racial minorities) for societal problems, and highlights Trump's fascist-like behavior, particularly in his speech and rallies.

How does Snyder differentiate the current U.S. situation from 1930s fascism?

Snyder clarifies that his book focuses not just on Trump, but on broader American society, pointing out that while history can inform us, the key issue is how we respond to potential democratic collapse.

Why does Snyder avoid using Trump's name in his book?

Snyder avoids focusing on Trump specifically, because the book is meant to address the broader societal issues and lessons from history, rather than personalizing the problem.

What role does truth play in the defense of democracy, according to Snyder?

Snyder argues that truth is essential for democracy, as abandoning facts leads to the collapse of trust, law, and ultimately democracy itself. When truth is compromised, resistance to authoritarianism becomes impossible.

What is the significance of the 'post-truth' era in relation to fascism and democracy?

The post-truth era is seen as a strategy used by modern authoritarians to undermine democracy. By eroding trust in facts, they create a situation where citizens can no longer critically evaluate power, which paves the way for regime change.

How does Snyder explain the steps authoritarians take to destroy democracy?

Snyder outlines a three-step process: first, authoritarians lie constantly; second, they accuse opponents and journalists of lying; and third, they create confusion about the nature of truth, making resistance impossible.

What does Snyder mean when he says 'the game's over' in the context of post-truth?

When there is no consensus on truth, Snyder argues, the foundation for democratic debate and resistance collapses, meaning that the authoritarian regime can solidify its power unchallenged.

Why does Snyder recommend his book as a small, portable guide?

Snyder humorously suggests that the compact size of his book makes it an ideal guide to carry in times of crisis, ready to provide quick insights on how to resist tyranny when faced with challenges.