On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century is a 2017 book by historian Timothy Snyder that examines the rise of authoritarianism in the 20th century and applies those lessons to the modern political landscape. Snyder draws on his expertise in Eastern European history and the rise of totalitarian regimes like Nazism and communism to provide a guide for citizens on how to identify and resist creeping authoritarianism.
Key themes and lessons
The book presents 20 specific lessons derived from 20th-century history to help readers recognize and resist tyranny. The lessons are intended to be a practical "call to arms" for preserving freedom in modern democracies. Some key lessons include:
Defend institutions: Institutions like courts, newspapers, and unions do not protect themselves; they must be actively defended by citizens.
Beware the one-party state: Snyder warns against the normalization of a single-party rule and advocates for supporting democratic elections and a multi-party system.
Be kind to our language: He encourages readers to be deliberate in their speech and to avoid the empty cliches and slogans of mass politics.
Believe in truth: Tyrants undermine facts to control reality. Snyder argues that abandoning facts is abandoning freedom.
Investigate: Readers are encouraged to seek out information for themselves, support investigative journalism, and be wary of online disinformation.
Beware of paramilitaries: Snyder warns against the intermingling of pro-leader paramilitaries with official police and military, viewing it as a sign of imminent collapse.
Be a patriot: He differentiates patriotism from nationalism, explaining that patriotism is based on principles and ideals, not just blind loyalty.
Recent updates and graphic edition
Since its initial publication, Snyder has revisited the book and its lessons in the context of more recent events, including the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and the war in Ukraine.
A graphic edition of the book was published in 2021, featuring illustrations by renowned artist Nora Krug. This edition was created to offer a visually striking and accessible rumination on Snyder's historical references.

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 
 
				
 
 
 
