On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder

These flashcards cover key concepts from Timothy Snyder's 'On Tyranny', highlighting important lessons about the nature of democracy, tyranny, and citizen responsibility.

What does Timothy Snyder mean by 'Do not obey in advance' in the context of tyranny?

It refers to the idea that individuals should not conform to assumed demands of authoritarian regimes before they are explicitly required to do so, as this anticipatory obedience can enable tyranny.

Why is it important to defend institutions according to Snyder?

Institutions help preserve decency and require active defense to maintain their integrity against threats from authoritarianism.

What is the warning associated with a one-party state?

It indicates the dangers of a political system where opposition parties are suppressed, which often leads to the erosion of democratic norms.

What is meant by 'take responsibility for the face of the world'?

It emphasizes the need for individuals to actively engage with and correct hateful symbols or rhetoric in society.

What does Snyder suggest about the language we use in political discourse?

Be kind to our language; avoid cliches and strive to develop our own ways of speaking to foster clarity and truth.

How does Snyder link professionalism to the prevention of tyranny?

He argues that professional ethics become critical when political leaders disregard ethical standards, as they can uphold the law and resist tyranny.

What does Snyder imply about paramilitary groups?

Paramilitaries can undermine democracy when they become intertwined with official state security forces, blurring the lines of legitimate authority.

What does Snyder mean by 'Investigate' as a lesson from the 20th century?

It encourages individuals to seek out truth actively, support investigative journalism, and understand the dangers of misinformation.

What is the significance of listening for dangerous words in a political context?

Awareness of terms like 'extremism' and 'terrorism' can help citizens recognize manipulative language that may erode freedoms.

How can we learn from history according to Snyder?

By understanding past failures of democracies, we can identify potential threats to current systems and seek to avoid repeating those mistakes.