Is Democracy Doomed? The Global Fight for Our Future | Timothy Snyder | TED

If you think democracy is some kind of inevitable, default setting for the world, then you aren't going to have it for very long, says historian and author Timothy Snyder. From World War I to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Snyder dives into the structures that uplift and tear down political systems, offering a historical perspective on the current state of democracy around the world as well as the patterns of thought that lead to tyranny. Learn more about a new approach to democracy that could help create and protect a future of freedom.
This conversation, hosted by TED current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers, was part of an exclusive TED Membership event. Visit www.ted.com/membership to become a TED Member.
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[@hereigoagain5050]

Loved "Democracy is a verb." "Freedom! Is such a precious thing. Don't just talk about it. Raise your voice and sing." Faith (1973)

[@Ishkur23]

"Freedom is an occupied space that must be reoccupied every day." ~ John Ralston Saul

[@conallgeneral8136]

I heard this morning from another US commentator who decided that attrition was a verb - I weep for what they do to the English language

[@kitchencounterculture8466]

"Democracy is about WANTING democracy." Such an important point.

[@rkobojcz]

Democracy is a result of FREEDOM. Free people want to elect ruling power, control it and draw it's limits. No freedom = no democracy. Slaves just must follow all rules they are gifted.

[@sushilover5367]

lol, thats so stupid. the goal of any good political system is to deliver efficient and effective good governance that would benefit the citizens in the long term. the fact that intellectuals like him and the populous in the west fail to discern the simple but fundamental difference between a means and a goal is becoming increasingly comical.

[@YuraK25]

@@sushilover5367 ah yes thank you for your input sushi lover 5367. Is that your factory number?

[@jasonchristenson1]

democracy is an edifice, not a natural phenomenon. it is to be maintained, protected, and when need be, fought for.

[@nenadpaldrmic]

​@@jasonchristenson1whites destroyed themselves with democracy by being bred out

[@kristalkristal2506]

I love listening to Timothy Snyder.

[@KMarik]

You can read his books as well.

[@karakask5488]

I'm going to start listening to Professor Snyder's talks every time the existential dread feels overwhelming. He somehow calms me down

[@matthewnewton8812]

Yeah he’s great.

[@manifold1476]

His talks are better then a mere 'balm' - - - they're educational too.

[@audiepc]

I know what you mean, I think.. he makes me feel like, at least there's one responsible adult around.

[@mishaknopkin2199]

Is he historian 😂😂😂? he is Ukrainian propagandist. The Ukrainian nationalists tried to make Russians in Ukraine Ukrainians but badly failed by losing lands to Russia.

[@JuliaPonomarenko]

It is great. I am translating it into Ukrainian, it should be translated in many languages. It's so comprehensible, provoking, encouraging, empowering.

[@foxbidden8651]

Згоден, Снайдер геній)0 робите просто субтитри чи щось інше?

[@JuliaPonomarenko]

@@foxbidden8651 Зробила просто переклад, виклала тут. Субтитри, точніше заготовка для них, теж є. Написала в TED спільноту, а також у спільноту українських перекладачів TED, але здається, це їм не цікаво. Отже, виклала файл тут і у фб у себе

[@puretone4970]

@@JuliaPonomarenko That is fantastic. You say you posted the file here. Where is here? I would love to share it with a few Ukrainian friends that don't speak English very well. Thanks in advance!

[@svitlana1534]

@@JuliaPonomarenko так поділіться інформаціює, щоб розповсюдити серед украінських друзів.дякую!

[@danhard8440]

our for fathers weren't stupid enough to make us a Democracy because it can and will be corrupted just like Socialism that is why they made us a Constitutional Republic

[@tobiasmeinecke6144]

Prof Snyder has emerged as maybe the most important voice in our times. The depth of knowledge, the expanse of his outlook and the clarity with which he presents his understandings and proposals has few if none peers at this moment. Listen to and read as much as your time allows of his. It is hugely important and has shaped and sharpened my political thinking and understanding of the global moment in history in ways that I did not imagine were possible. Thank You, Timothy Snyder. Thank You.

[@mishaknopkin2199]

Is he historian 😂😂😂? he is Ukrainian propagandist. The Ukrainian nationalists tried to make Russians in Ukraine Ukrainians but badly failed by losing lands to Russia.

[@arjan2777]

@@mishaknopkin2199 How many times did you copy paste that one over the whole internet? Are you aware that it just shows your criminal nature?

[@Pinstripe6666]

Tim is a treasure and a true gentleman.

[@cyberslim7955]

This guy is music to my ears!

[@marilynnyoung7026]

I would love to study with Prof. Snyder in a University setting…I read his “On Tyranny” book back in 2016, and I have absolutely loved his stuff ever since. Such an IMPORTANT voice for these times.

[@d.annejohnson5631]

His course, History of Ukraine, from fall 2022 in on KZbin, Yale University courses, and it's FREE. over 20 lectures...

[@junglecat_rant]

​@@d.annejohnson5631 Couldn't agree more. Start there.

[@anyakosta364]

​@@d.annejohnson5631 its a gem!!!!!

[@theminer49erz]

I have respected this man more than almost anyone else alive(maybe even ever) for well over a decade and only do so more each time I hear him speak. Thank you once again Professor! I wish I could afford to have you as a teacher!! It's funny, I'm 40 and I don't think I have ever been more ready for school.....unfortunately I don't think I have ever been so poor either. I can't take on life changing debt at my age either especially considering what I want to learn doesn't have much of a monetary ROI. I "teach myself" A LOT, but I can't help but be a little jealous of those who have a dedicated education experience. Most of the stuff I have learned/am interested in isn't shared by anyone I know. The idea of learning something with like minded people is beyond appealing to me. If you have that chance, DO NOT TAKE IT FOR GRANTED!! Well back to busting my butt so I can barely pay the bills and be stressed all the time...yay....

[@George-2115]

I totally agree with everything you say. Only little difference is that I'm about 20 years older than you.

[@achenarmyst2156]

As TS said, the internet is an incredibly valuable new tool for spreading facts, views and opinions. I watched TS‘s complete Yale lecture on „The Making of Modern Ukraine“ on YT FOR FREE which is kind of unbelievable. Of course we need to fight for the freedom of the web and for the right to universal access. That‘s part of our duty of „doing democracy“.

[@theminer49erz]

@@achenarmyst2156 it was great!!! I watched them as they came out and looked forward to it every day. I would be bummed on the weekends when there wasn't an upload. When I was still in school a 30min lecture seemed like 3 hours, now a 3 hour lecture feels like 30 mins and I'm bummed it's over. I pretty much listen to/watch lectures on a wide array of subjects exclusively while I work. I do a range of home repairs a d work alone, so it helps pass time faster and even though I can't always give it my undivided attention, a lot still gets soaked up. When I go on long drives I will put some on and even the rare occasion I am at home without anything I have to do, I will usually watch lecture with demonstration like Professor Lewin from MIT who teaches Physics. He is entertaining on top of informative though. It's a shame EVERYTHING has to have a monetary return to even be worth spending time on anymore. We just can't afford to not be making money. "They" cam talk about 8% inflation based on their formula all they want but when a can of soda goes from $1 to $1.95 in less than 3 months and almost everything in Goodwill has doubled in price too, I don't believe it. 30-40 years of wage stagnation added to that makes for very little time for self enrichment for the sake of it. I only care about money so much as it keeps me from being on the streets, but I feel like it's the only thing I can afford to worry about. I'm not saying everything should be free, but I feel like if I was willing to learn something that I could use to help people, I should have some sort of reasonable avenue there without making sure I won't have time to use it while I'm trying to pay it off. My Dad put himself through 4 years at the University of MD in full from 68-72 by working nights stocking shelves at an A&P. Even if you could put every penny you made doing that now towards a school loan, you would never pay it off that way. People cannhardly do it with the job they get with their degree. I actually make more than many people with 4 year degrees. If I made less than I do now and had a huge debt I took on to get there, I would be livid! All that said, I'm a reasonably healthy, decent lookin, white male. I wouldn't ven what to know how it would feel if I was anything other than that if thag was even possible. Ok I digress, but one of the thing I would like to do with additional education would be to try to find a practical solution or at least work towards changing the above gripes, especially for those much less lucky than myself. That's why I said there would be little to no monetary ROI. I have plenty of viable idea already, but no one will take me seriously without the paper and I really wpuld like to learn a lot more so I could do a lot more. End Rant! ☮️🇺🇦

[@markfrommontana]

Yes, your admiration is well placed. I presume you've watched his The Making of Modern Ukraine Lecture Series (Yale University Courses) which is available on KZbin. All the best!

[@AdamBechtol]

👍

[@georgesoong4149]

People think democracy is a “system” rather than the mentality of each person to take responsibility.

[@kwanlinus6999]

Because that's what taught in most political science curriculums

[@aristochat3]

Lol. If you take responsibility, you don’t need democracy, in fact you despise it. Democracy is the rule of the demos, the everybody ( and by extension the nobody). It is the tyranny of the mediocre and the weak who precisely do not take responsibility. This is why voting is just a questionnaire. Nobody in power gives a rats testicle about your crappy vote which is why you get promised something like student debt relief, you get sucked in and then forgotten for four years. Democracy is a buffer that protects the parasites from real men of action, pandering to the least deserving against the truly great.

[@jochenzimmermann5774]

so? democracy IS a system, just as capitalism, slavery, a big company or a city IS a system. i'd rather say what many people don't want to hear is that those systems are created and perpetuated by us humans, which means they can also be neglected, brought down, saved or be reformed by us. ONLY by us. and that's where our responsibility comes in. to accept that it does not matter what "everyone else" does. people say "we're just cogwheels in this system", and they're actually right. we're sentient cogwheels though, and the sooner we realize our own agency as sentient parts of those systems, the better...

[@georgesoong4149]

To me, a System only serves to provide efficient meant to efficiently and reliably create a means to fulfill goals and vision of a group of people. Politicians use Systems differences in the name of democracy to find fault in other systems in ways they choose, rather than focusing on their own system improvement. The root it the education system, which had been long lost as I see in the us. Much different from what I can remember from elementary school days when children pledged allegiance to the flag.

[@Ms_Ve]

EXACTLY.

[@sharondavid-melly1498]

'Democracy is inside us...Democracy is a verb" Yes!

[@bonjoshua640]

The way he pronounce his words is very loud and clear. It can be easily understood by many, due to that fact the way they speak and express their thoughts is very clear and precise. Overall the speaker is has a good verbal communication.

[@ALLmattersALLmatters]

Could listen to this guy forever

[@serhiyonyshchenko3495]

Thanks for saying it out loud, Professor. Freedom is something one loses the moment one stops fighting for it.

[@shoetoss2655]

That’s undeniable. I completely agree. The question now is: what do we do to fight for it? Is simply voting enough? Or should we be more politically active than that? Is serving in the Middle East relevant at all? Or should we be looking at something more local? 👀

[@mishaknopkin2199]

Is he historian 😂😂😂? he is Ukrainian propagandist. The Ukrainian nationalists tried to make Russians in Ukraine Ukrainians but badly failed by losing lands to Russia.

[@nmandowa]

This man is just brilliant. Such a broad understanding of where we are in history. It's a pleasure to listen to him.

[@tomaszgil8274]

pop-histiorian. that's who t. snyder is.

[@nmandowa]

@@tomaszgil8274 Is that a compliment to him or a insult?

[@tomaszgil8274]

@@nmandowa well, that's an insult, obviously. just read some reviews of his works by other academics (e.g. Jean Solchany, richard sakwa). regards.

[@nmandowa]

@@tomaszgil8274 Thanks for the reply. I don't necessarily label someone who can communicate an historical perspective not in ultra academic language to a broad audience as any less valuable. We may just have to disagree on this one, but I will be interested to look into what those authors have to say about his books.

[@YuraK25]

@@tomaszgil8274 the same richard sakwa who views Ukraine as just "borderlands". No I mean it literally. He does not go into the myth of Ukraine meaning "borderlands" but he actually treats Ukraine as a pawn of larger powers, even after it's long-awaited independence.

[@englandcalling9721]

Thank you, such an eloquent and thoughtful speaker. We find it easier/safer to think the worst of others, which harkens to Timothy's thoughts on democracy, that can only thrive with trust. Autocrats are, at their heart, liars and cowards, appealing to the notion, everyone else, 'but' you, is responsible for the world's ills. We are all responsible for the mess we are in, and are all responsible for creating a better future.

[@madalinaanton3253]

As a romanian I see democracy and communism as organs in my body although I was born in the transition period. I see democracy as an organ I have to nourish and communism as a physical embodiment of generational trauma that I am never getting rid of but that keeps me afraid and vigilent. For example I live with the feeling that freedom is illusory,I was born with the feeling that the next big thing is coming, that history will come for us again and we will have to fight and that there will never be peace. This feeling has been elaborated by romanian refugees in the 1950s,I did not have to think about it, I was born with it, like an infection and democracy is the constant treatment and struggle.

[@dimitarfuchedjiev8665]

As a Bulgarian, I know exactly where you're coming from and you've perfectly described the feeling!

[@robinpage2730]

As an American leftist I study Marxist and socialist philosophy and I do think there are a lot of positive things to take from it. I see socialism (the idea) as a superset of democracy, but socialism (the system) utterly failed to live up to it's promises or even be consistent with it's own principles. The missing element is individual freedom codified as legal rights protected by strong democratic institutions: independent courts, responsible legislatures, limited executives, and efficient bureaucracy. All things the Soviet system and it's derivatives royally fucked up.

[@kkpenney444]

@@robinpage2730 And where, pray tell, did socialism *ever* deliver such a utopia?

[@annemurphy8074]

@@kkpenney444 It's not about a utopia. There is no such thing. Democracy is an ongoing process.

[@dianegibson4516]

What a thoughtful and eye-opening observation. Thank you from this American. Describing our perceptions of things keeps our human qualities intact!

[@kylemichaelreaves]

Looking forward to his forthcoming book about the philosophy of freedom.

[@agritech802]

Great interview, I'm surprised that the comments didn't pick up on his reference to social media. Social media is one of the greatest threats to democracy if left unregulated

[@amadisdee6054]

But isn't social media an example which proves Democracy is being exercised? If I shut down social media or shut you up then we have Dictatorship. So the fact that you and I can come here and argue a point shows that we are exercising our democratic right whether you are right or I am right, or neither. The problem is that Democracy has been used by many to implement dictatorial ways as we see happening in the USA today. If I speak out against "the issues regarding X," there will be powerful lobbyists and organizations which are going to attack me. They may even threaten me. They may cut me off from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram because what I say does not fit their agenda. So in essence, the democratic principles we hold so dearly in the West or in the USA are being eroded because people are attacking what Democracy stands for. So while the "so-called" democratic government of the USA allows me to speak out against injustices being perpetrated against minorities, or against children of the Third World as we drop bombs on them, I am also silenced. Should I speak up I will have to fear for my life. So perhaps we can say that DEMOCRACY is tried and used by all of us but incorrectly. It would be like having an expensive automobile but driving it without a license and wrecking it or causing others to lose their lives due to an accident I cause. USA to me is an example of DEMOCRACY gone wrong. It is a country where Democracy works for a few but not for all as we see the many injustices perpetrated against Blacks, First Nation Peoples, Immigrants, Women, and the 30,000,000 Americans who cannot afford Healthcare.

[@rettro6578]

False, social media is the new global public square. Free speech is needed for democracy to actually exist, which it does not in the so called west. Learn history outside of the establishment.

[@alrush1234]

Great discussion. Love your many interesting and intelligent points of view. Thanks for the illumination.

[@StarryNightKnitting]

I'm always fascinated and riveted when I hear Timothy Snyder speak! Not only his intelligence but his knowledge

[@petrskapa793]

It's so refreshing to hear a rational thinker's thoughts and to realize that you are not completely insane. Have to get the book about the "Unfreedom".

[@George-2115]

Oh so true! _On Tyranny_ his probably his most approachable book (it's the shortest, and very relevant). _The Road to Unfreedom_ is great for a historical perspective on where we are. If you have the stomach for it _Bloodlands_ is the book on the genocides of 1932-45 that puts the holocaust, and all the other horrors of that time in perspective. I would say if you are only going to read one book on that period, this is the most important.

[@petrskapa793]

@@George-2115 I will read it, at least I hope I will. I have so many books lined up... Thanks.

[@achenarmyst2156]

Further recommendations: his Yale lecture series on Ukraine and his 2016 Berlin talk on the German historical responsibility for Ukraine (both on YT). And Marci Shore‘s lectures on Maidan. 👫

[@maksymrusliakov7959]

Thank you so much, beautiful ideas!

[@susannunes6196]

FANTASTIC ....AS A HISTORY MAJOR ONCE UPON A LONG TIME AGO, I FOUND IT TAUGHT ME ALOT ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF DEMOCRACY BUT I WAS ALSO HELPED BY MY FATHER WHO WAS A LOCAL POLITICIAN AND INSISTED THAT NOTHING WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED OR IMPROVED WITHOUT COMPROMISE.

[@Baraz_Red]

My entire active life was focused on the concept that democracy is the process of people participating and is not the structure or only the parliament, and of course also defending Human rights for **all** people (fascists believe in rights for the deserving). I admit that around 48 years old, I was burnt out though, and the current waves of madness and conspiracy theories (often born in the USA from conservative movements) makes my dream of improving democracy feel like a total failure. I am 51 now and getting back up. - in Quebec, Canada, by the way

[@stephen4121]

"(fascists believe in rights for the deserving)" - fascism is the belief that the state should interfere in pretty much everything. How we interact, what we are allowed to say, even what words we are allowed to use. A fascist can come from the left or right, but originally it was from the left of the political spectrum, particularly socialism.

[@Baraz_Red]

@@stephen4121 Totally agree that fascism is generally totalitarian and can have both left-wing or right-wing propaganda or State policies. In fact, it is refreshing to hear someone say so on KZbin (usually people claim it is only left or right, depending where they stand). That said, fascists have a noticeable trend to have a very discriminatory conception of who "deserves" the "right" (applied more like a privilege) to State services, protection, justice, etc. I find it is a defining core of fascist ideologies and regimes. Whereas totalitarianism (I mean a regime that does not only try to control behavior, but also bans mental dissidence) can have various ideologies beyond fascism.

[@mariaangelova8275]

I wish this conversation played everywhere and everyone watched it. Really good conversation about the state of things in the world.

[@salassian3162]

Wow. That was an awesome talk from an awesome thinker and historian. Thanks TED.

[@carlettesouthern-robert2992]

Democracy as a verb, it is a part of You, and You are a part of democracy. Democracy is💫made real by action.💫

[@Virtual-Media]

A rare intelligent conversation that was so needed. This should be a required viewing at middle school and every voter prior to an election.. Timothy Snyder for president: 2024

[@RobCummings]

Professor Snyder would be a great addition to the next Democratic cabinet. Create another seat in the Cabinet Room for the Department of Democratic Ideals and Sanity. Then Director Snyder could chat with the President and the other Cabinet members about current issues, and how similar issues were solved in the past. I seriously think it would help keep the Federal government on track toward building a more perfect union. Unfortunately, no amount of instruction can save a Republican administration. Since about 1980, that party has been all about dismantling democracy and promoting oligarchy.

[@BobDingus-bh3pd]

@@RobCummingsyea that’s just fantastic there. All 150 million republicans in the US are deplorable? And the democrats are the party of infallible historical literacy? That attitude does wonders to prevent a nation from spiraling into division. Well done 👍 you really prove you were thoroughly paying attention to what Snyder said.

[@jbf5117]

Excellent program!!!

[@MM-un3ob]

Amazing talk

[@DanielEarth1]

“The republic which sinks to sleep, trusting to constitutions and machinery, to politicians and statesmen, for the safety of its liberties, never will have any.” - Wendell Phillips

[@yyyy-uv3po]

This speech should be shown to every children, and in fact every adults too.

[@oleksandrzavalnyi1839]

Important and wise speech as always!

[@E-forlaget]

My name is Eija I. Korhonen and I'm an author, artist and teacher (and alumna ph.d student at the university of Gothenburt, Sweden). Thank you for a great Ted talk. I would like to ad some "tiny things" to your talk about democracy, some" without which democracy is totally impossible! Democracy is also a question of ethics!!! Without the conviction of the rightfulness of Human Rights, i.e. that a person next to you, as well as a person in a far away country on the other side of the globe is of same importance as you yourself, i.e. without benevolence, democracy is not possible! This is ethics! Equality is also ethics! if you do not wish others the same health and prosperity that you enjoy yourself, you will not want to work for democracy, since democracy is work, as Timothy Snyder says. Democracy is´s a neverending "ongoing process"! How well it succeeds is also a question our beliefs! Do we believe in science, or do we believe in conspiratory theories or religious ones? It matters! The facts matters! We cannot - as i.e. Trump - deny the facts, for instance climat changes and what they bring! Still many of our wealthy fellow men believe in what they want to believe in order to sustain their wealth! Understandable, but this is not democratic! And the dictators of the world ... like all dictators, they want to increase their power and wealth! - as you very well know.

[@harrypalmer3481]

Hearing such total sense so clearly expressed, devoid of the usual deluded or selfishly motivated nonsense we're used to hearing, is like listening to beautiful music. It even makes me dare to be hopeful! Thank you!

[@patrickgoldsmith4407]

We the people working to support our system is the core of sane politics.

[@guswruck1908]

Excellent

[@joycebell6912]

Democracy is the only system that allows the inner nature of a person to fully develop and that is our reason for being…..

[@robinpage2730]

My thesis is, democracy is not only the best of all existing systems, it's the best possible system of all, because it directly models evolution by natural selection. It promotes the same kind of trial and error testing of ideas and policies, based on patterns we already know work, varying them to test modifications, keeping what works and discarding what doesn't, and doing it all over again.

[@dianegibson4516]

Yes--the flourishing of the individual can come through dynamically stable institutions (structure). TOWARDS a more perfect union. The journey is the thing. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@charlesputnam9370]

I read a while ago a book by Erich Fromm that had the basic idea of Professor Snyder. I believe it was To Have or to Be. The problem is there is not enough people who have read Timothy Snyder, Erich Fromm or Plato for that matter. I got started on a journey fifty years when I read Will Durant's The Story of Philosophy. Where I live a man that reads philosophy or history is looked down on . Because they have never known any professors . Professor Snyder has knowledge of history and wisdom that comes with that knowledge. I am afraid to many in our society have what Erich Fromm called to much worship for self-agrandisement.

[@dooval434]

He is so good!!

[@Aussie-Mocha]

Between Snyder and Kotkin , it’s always an absolute pleasure listening to them talk! The mental gymnastics that comes from listening to them is fantastic. I love it and can’t get enough of it.

[@iuliiapshenychko4143]

Thank you for your work! I do hope more people become more active to protect democracy and make it better

[@liviadix1433]

To want to live in a Democracy, you want to fight to keep it. There no better alternatives to it. Thanks for the podcast.

[@Sonicman415]

Which democracy is actually working best right now.. Excellent talk, interview

[@aizac.1979]

I really love this speaker

[@jochenzimmermann5774]

i'd love to hear snyders thoughts on citizen assemblies.

[@achenarmyst2156]

Tell the truth, act now, decide cooperatively. 🐝🦋

[@MeTubeUser]

A voice of reason Snyder is.

[@brianh9358]

The problem I see is that currently, when a tyrannical government rises to power, it is much more difficult for the citizens of a country to resist and overthrow that government. The technological tools that are available to governments like that of Russia, China, and Iran make it extremely difficult to resist. I fear that even in the United States we are much more vulnerable to autocratic leaders than we would like to assume. If an autocratic president were able to gain the loyalty of those who lead the armed forces, which could happen if the right combination of crisis situations arose, then we might see that those tools we have created through our technology would be brought to bear against us quite swiftly. We like to think of ourselves as being able to resist such a situation but it wouldn't be that easy.

[@achenarmyst2156]

You can never be sure, but I really do trust in the American people to ever again meet those challenges. 😊

[@briancase6180]

Really great discussion. But that's what we expect when Tim is involved. Thanks!

[@georgehunter4525]

I absolutely enjoy learning from this man. I often find myself having to pause the lectures to comprehend what he's teaching. This guy thinks so fast and profoundly it's amazing!

[@mishaknopkin2199]

Is he historian 😂😂😂? he is Ukrainian propagandist. The Ukrainian nationalists tried to make Russians in Ukraine Ukrainians but badly failed by losing lands to Russia.

[@APW554]

We need this type of man as leaders for freedom and democracy.

[@schevalirae]

Most excellent discussion of democracy I've heard relevant to our global present time. Great questions from TED members and thorough answers that build on one another for understanding. I intend to watch again and take notes! And share. Thanks again. ❣️✌️🥀

[@jukkam1575]

I'm from Finland, and in our country we know what is it like to try stay a democracy, when we have a non-democratic dictatur country Russia as our neighbour. I can recommend Timothy Snyder's books to any one, who is concerned about future of democracy. Another influental person is Garry Kasparov, whose book "winter is coming" is for me the best available explation about the rise of Putins dark non-democratic power in Russia.

[@BinkyTheGoddessDivine]

I could listen to Timothy Snyder speak all day.

[@chuckhillier4153]

I think many miss discussing a fundamental attribute of democracy, beyond fairness, equity, progress, etc. It's also the proven best nonviolent dispute resolution process.

[@suzannewman979]

I so appreciate Timothy Snyder and his lectures on Ukraine which are fascinating. Democracy falls apart without freedom. So true that having the freedoms that democracy makes possible is the reason to have a democracy. Once an autocrat takes power those institutions that insure freedom will begin to deteriorate...and to get social structures back, once they are being dismantled, will require an active populous that is willing to fight. Ukraine needs all our support. They are an example of the struggle to be free that anarchy will never provide.

[@mreyesgranda]

Inspiring

[@trinafirey8747]

Political leaders and social media platforms need to take this guy’s advice. Focusing on non issues and violating people’s rights to control their own bodies and read their own choice of books is not remotely benefiting any of us.

[@powellp25]

Intelligent, informative interview. Thank you!

[@benderthefourth3445]

An important voice.

[@michelehoule8132]

Lucky the ones that have you as a teacher. It is the first time I hear, just like I thought few years ago, about two examples that caused a difficult adjustment in learning the know how; invention of books and invention of computers. I don,t think I'll ever see the result of managing computers in my life. Evolution has a long path. Merci.

[@achenarmyst2156]

This is a gem, he is a gem. 💎 And the net is rough terrain as you can see in the comment section, all the Amygdalas steaming 😄

[@whattalks]

EVERY politician and media person should read/listen to/watch Tim Snyder and LEARN, before it's too late.

[@markmarco2880]

A must-see video if ever there were. Fight. Get out there and fight against the profit-driven oligarchy. Fight for the preservation of democracy. Truth and Freedom. Prove that man is modern, each and every day.

[@CS79N]

Very thoughtful. I was particularly interested in the point about the future crashing down. From a British perspective, we're terrible at this. You can see it in the way we talk: "How are you?"/"Not too bad". We're naturally a pessimistic country. Objectively speaking, if you live in a country like the UK or one like it, on average you live a life that is materially wealthier, healthier, safer, and more free than 99.99% of human beings ever to have lived. The country and your life are not without problems, which we need to address carefully, but there is no evidence to suggest that the future is "crashing down". Our media is aware of and feeds our pessimism. Every newspaper or website is chock full of negative, doom laden headlines. Think about it, if economic growth stutters or stops it's front page news, massive blaring headlines predicting disaster. But if the economy grows, it barely gets a mention. Now, to be fair, being pessimistic isn't necessarily a bad thing. If the fact that you saw a homeless person earlier causes you to believe that our society is seconds from collapse and encourages you to stand for election to the council, or volunteer at a charity, or lobby your MP, then your erroneous perception of impending disaster has manifested itself in a positive action. I think we need to take the same approach to democracy. In reality, for most people it's so ingrained that it's never going to be "doomed", but we need to harness our equally ingrained pessimism and concomitant belief that it might be to help ensure that flame is kept flickering. I actually think optimistic countries like the United States have the opposite problem; that optimism (while often justified) causes people to gloss over the problems and results in action not being taken where it needs to be.

[@kkpenney444]

You're not reading the US right. Most of us rightly feel we're in the fight for our lives here. I don't see optimism anywhere.

[@anyakosta364]

​@@kkpenney444 ever since Trump became a president....i have started Feeling this way too....living in the west coast...

[@positiveandstrong]

Democracy's an oversold catchphrase.

[@innakarpyuk4756]

Brilliant man

[@franktries4548]

Brilliant! Thank you!

[@zhim57]

Thank you

[@tomarmstrong1281]

Mostly agree, however, people need to feel that their words and actions will resonate beyond their own detached situation. There have been systemic changes in many Western society. Not least is the isolation which separates by decree the individual. The pandemic, social media, home working. All contribute to less direct contact with our fellows and a lowering of the opportunity for person to person dialogue.

[@Shihab1979]

Thank you very 🙏❤️🙏

[@michelemarie2568]

Great … glad to find this …

[@olgamarsh169]

I just love this man. He's really in touch with the reality unlike the rest of academics

[@mariosebok]

Swiss Democracy is 800+ years old, might be interesting to study what made it work for so long...

[@achenarmyst2156]

An old democracy but one of the latest countries in Europe to introduce women‘s right to vote (1971). Which makes study even more interesting... 🙂

[@puretone4970]

Swiss democracy is not that old. Switzerland used to be ruled by aristocratic families with hereditary assembly seats.. That isn't democracy. Only after the birth of the Helvetic Republic did things start to become more democratic. The first citizens assemblies were created in 1799. At the time The French still occupied Switzerland. The oldest constitutional democracies in Europe are Norway, The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg and Austria, but the oldest parliament is the parliament of Alþingi, Iceland, which has been running continuously since 930.

[@andrearenee7845]

Democracy is the backbone of the American way of life. And we have, and we will continue to fight tooth and nail to keep it. Making it better by examining our own role in the democratic system moves us all forward...

[@FactusNordus]

Exactly

[@16252]

Great, thanks.

[@sirchadiusmaximusiii]

Good thing we are a Constitutional Republic, not a democracy.

[@nancyoffenhiser4916]

I used to think the way you did. I'm 64 years old, grew up in New York City in the late '50s early '60s. However, now I'm at the point where I feel very strongly that without term limits without a media that is honest and not biased and without an educated public, we really are in serious trouble. Most people today couldn't tell you we live in a constitutional republic or even what that means and that is very very sad. Also, I want to let you know I currently live in Iowa. Where term limits are:" you serve until you die in the Senate".. Grassley being our best example of no term limits.

[@sirchadiusmaximusiii]

@@nancyoffenhiser4916 I agree with you Nancy. Merely pointing this out for those unaware and who flippantly like to throw around terms of the sort. Have a great day.

[@rehtaeh]

As if a constitutional republic doesn't involve democracy. 🙄

[@BobDingus-bh3pd]

I still think the failings of our representatives is our own fault as voters. If we had a better judge of character they wouldn’t suck. And we would be happy not to have term limits.

[@jacquelinebuchser4072]

Democracy is a civic duty 🇨🇭

[@andycordy5190]

Early in this talk the subject of personal responsibility was mentioned. Complacency and comfort among a majority in a population busy with personal interest has led to a small ruling class of opportunistic predators who will promise to take on the responsibility of government, will promise anything in return for the right to rule, will deliver only what suits their purposes and feather their own nest.

[@ulasparks1538]

Timothy Snyder is amazing and so inspiring. I envy his students:)

[@thilomanten8701]

Democracy is a choice by each and every single person. The more make it, the more likely it is, we end up having one. Relative wealth and social security is favoring the decision process towards democracy. Fear amd poverty is the way to tyranny. As we are seeing a decline of wealth, so is democracy!

[@achenarmyst2156]

The problem is that we cannot increase material wealth without limits. In fact we have already passed a level of sustainable wealth. T. Snyder is one of few historians who explicitly refers to the climate crisis. What we need are people who do democracy and modest living at the same time.

[@texasclimatealarmist4801]

Wow, this perfectly describes my sense of anxiety and urgency that leads me to a radically pro-democracy progressive politics.

[@wildvin8476]

Pro democracy and progressive are not the same. Are you pro individual or Marxist? Pick a lane.

[@KMarik]

@@wildvin8476 Read some Marx, and you will not be asking this ignorant question next time.

[@unreliablenarrator6649]

The real question is if democracy can survive capitalism. In important ways, these ideas are in direct opposition, not complementary.

[@AnthonyTolhurst-dw1nc]

Democracy MUST be continually evolutionary, to keep it alive and fresh for all following us. We need to OWN it, and do it, all our lives. Change in inevitable, and democracy must change along with it. And we require knowledge by being well read, to operate this democracy. If only to keep democracy growing in and of itself. Freedom requires responsibility. By all of us. Life itself requires responsibility! Democracy is never perfect, but from my perspective (and I’m old now), it so far is the most free from individual viewpoints and opportunities yet to be found in tomorrow’s world. Shame I won’t be around to see it!!!

[@Waverlyduli]

Superlatives need to be rained down upon this interview. Historian of Eastern Europe Timothy Snyder is wise and poignant in direct and uncluttered language. His views on Putin's Russia and autocracy and his Ukraine invasions, the US, the contemporary social media landscape, economics, Democracy and our attitudes toward it and how it is protected or lost is a hugely valuable contribution.

[@refede8099]

What is not taken into consideration about Democracy is that it works perfectly only in the first years after a war, when politicians have only one goal, the reconstruction of the country. But when the reconstruction has taken place and prosperity begins to spread, Democracy becomes competitive internally, politicians begin to fight for their own party and not for the country. In practice: We are not yet mature enough for Democracy.

[@philippebrehier7386]

🧐The thing about dominant capitalists is that they capitalize on our most primitive instincts to draw lines between different groups of people, pledge allegiance to the ingroup and be hostile to outgroups. And in the race to get vital resources that are becoming scarcer, you unconsciously "choose" teams that accept you (because of common traits, sometimes transformed in identity parts/ego "crutches") and try to belong to the winning/surviving teams.

[@philippebrehier7386]

And it's worsening because capitalism applied to almost everything, divide us in more numerous and smaller groups in a competition more difficult each year. And I would like to add that the concept of hierarchy that imply that some (group of) people have more value than others is not helping to deal peacefully with political issues. Freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom from consequences. Unless you are wealthy.

[@robertfuller6245]

You drank the coolaid

[@philippebrehier7386]

@@robertfuller6245 Please, enlight me in what way i did such.

[@karenreaves3650]

That is the lie you are programmed with, you have the mind of a Marxist Narcissist Slave. 4-6% are permanently enslaved. Self Education Breaks Indoctrination. Choose

[@philippebrehier7386]

@@karenreaves3650 Could you explain more precisely what do you mean ? With sources, if possible ?

[@johns.7297]

I think Almond and Verba made the same argument in The Civic Culture decades ago.

[@kondorviktor]

Re: democracy as a spirit: in Hungary Professor Sólyom , head of the first Alkotmanybíróság, later Prewident of the Republic, had an idead, the invisible constitution. Actually, seems very close to your thought.

[@markmarco2880]

Democracy is like happiness. It is an action. It is a way of living, a mindset, a lifestyle. It is speaking your truth, in your own words. It is standing out. It is standing to defy tyrannical orders, to say to the tyrant: I will not obey. I will fight. To keep facts as facts. To keep laws just and governors chosen by election. Glory to the heroes. Glory to Ukraine. Long live harmony in modern society. Lord knows, I want democracy. Let’s all be the guardians of Earth. [inspired by Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny] ❤

[@tahwsisiht]

3:19 ❤️

[@johnmatylonek]

Democracy - inclusive compromise governance consisting of 1) Free, fair elections, majority rule, minorities protected 2) The checking and balancing of ALL organized selfish powers so their interests are not imposed on the rest of us 3) Equal application of fair law and equitable economic policy 4) The use and defense of self-correcting evidence-based science, journalism and education in driving public policy and reporting corruption. Fight for it. Teach your children these simple concepts. Be able to articulate them yourself in a conversation.

[@CrocodileTheLyle]

Timothy Snyder is correct, but if democracy appears to be the best form of social organization right now because all other options are worse, then we may have some serious problems at hand. One problem is that if democracy emerged out of struggle in early capitalism, then what has it become now? If it exists nominally in the political sphere and not so much in economic democracy, then it's hard to say it's a meaningful one at the moment. Perhaps we should take that to mean a) that it's up to people in general to decide what democracy means and how far it can go and b) that perhaps it's possible to build systems that satisfy democracy's goals in a more meaningful way. Either could constitute a struggle worth fighting for, but until then perhaps we should not attach ourselves to option a any more than option. I'll give him credit for talking about freedom. It feels as if people treat the question of the nature of freedom with much waryness these days.

[@williamyoung9401]

One has to understand that Democracy, like any governmental body, is about Power. And if you limit the vote, you can limit the Power the People have to hold their leaders accountable. Democracy is better, but also harder and more expensive. You get what you pay for in Life. One can also always volunteer at their local Board of Elections if they'd like to help out with the Democratic process. Just food for thought...Timothy Snyder for President.

[@chriwa6830]

👏👏👏

[@chaos6876]

Democracy is a value. It needs to go hand in hand with other important values, such as equality, diversity, and basic human rights. We all need to keep and practice these values.

[@ColonelFredPuntridge]

I have been saying since Reagan first campaigned on the slogan “Let’s make America great again”: those who trumpet it lack ambition. Why settle for only making America as great as it was? Why not aim higher and make America even better?

[@albertlange7777]

Excellent talk, economic equality requires at least some places with lax there for enabling zoning allowing a cost efftive life