Timothy Snyder on Tyranny

Timothy Snyder, an American historian specializing in the history of Central and Eastern Europe, the Soviet Union, and the Holocaust, wrote a short book, "On Tyranny", about 100 pages long. Snyder lists 20 signposts indicating when things political are going off the rails, into authoritarianism, and his historically informed suggestions to preserve our democratic forms and institutions. It is well focused to give an overview without being pedantic. Let's read through that list together and discuss the items that interest us

Here is a series of short videos by the author covering the book:
Timothy Snyder On Tyranny

Here is an expert on authoritarianism breaking down Project 2025:
Ruth Ben-Ghiat on Project 2025
(I would like a better video from Ben-Ghiat here. Suggestions?)

Some of the precepts:

1. Do not obey in advance.
2. Defend institutions.
3. Beware the one-party state.
4. Take responsibility for the face of the world.
5. Remember professional ethics.
6. Be wary of paramilitaries.
7. Be reflective if you must be armed.
8. Stand out.
9. Be kind to our language.
10. Believe in truth.
11. (Not provided in the search results)
12. Make eye contact and small talk.
13. Be calm when the unthinkable arrives.
14. Be a patriot.
15. Be as courageous as you can.