Timothy Snyder’s On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century is a concise, urgent guide that draws on historical lessons from 20th-century Europe to warn modern readers—especially Americans—about the persistent and evolving threat of authoritarianism. The book, which became a bestseller and remains widely discussed, distills Snyder’s expertise as a historian of fascism, Nazism, and communism into twenty actionable lessons for defending democracy1.
Twenty Lessons as a Roadmap: The book is structured around twenty brief chapters, each presenting a command or imperative—such as “Do not obey in advance,” “Defend institutions,” and “Believe in truth.” Each lesson is explained with historical examples, primarily from Nazi Germany, Stalinist Russia, and other authoritarian regimes, along with references to recent developments in the United States45.
Historical Parallels: Snyder’s central thesis is that history does not repeat, but it instructs. He argues that the conditions that enabled democratic collapses in the past—such as the rise of the Nazi Party—can emerge again if citizens are not vigilant14.
1. The Danger of “Anticipatory Obedience”
Snyder begins with the concept of “anticipatory obedience”—the tendency of citizens to conform to authority’s expectations before being explicitly told to do so. He illustrates this with the example of Austrians in 1938, who enabled Nazi policies through voluntary compliance, which paved the way for atrocities26.
This lesson warns that most of the power of authoritarian regimes is “freely given” by people who adapt without question, making resistance harder as conformity becomes the norm26.
2. Defending Institutions
Democracies rely on robust institutions—courts, media, and legislatures—that can check executive power. Snyder urges citizens to defend these institutions actively, as authoritarians often target them first to consolidate power457.
He emphasizes that institutions do not protect themselves; they require public support and pressure to uphold their independence and integrity4.
3. Beware the One-Party State
Snyder highlights the risk of a single party dominating political life, noting that many European democracies fell to dictatorships after the rise of one-party rule. Citizens often do not realize they are voting for the last time until it is too late45.
He urges vigilance against political monopolies and encourages participation in pluralistic politics4.
4. The Importance of Professional Ethics
Professionals—lawyers, judges, doctors, businesspeople—must adhere to ethical standards, even when pressured by authorities. Snyder notes that authoritarian regimes need the complicity of professionals to subvert the rule of law and conduct show trials6.
Maintaining professional integrity can slow or prevent the erosion of democratic norms6.
5. The Centrality of Truth
Snyder warns that tyrannies thrive on the distortion and abandonment of truth. He asserts, “To abandon facts is to abandon freedom,” highlighting how propaganda and lies are used to justify authoritarian measures63.
He encourages readers to “be kind to our language” and to seek out reliable sources of information, emphasizing the role of independent media and critical thinking3.
6. The Power of Symbols and Civic Engagement
The book stresses the importance of resisting hate symbols and divisive rhetoric. Snyder advises citizens to “take responsibility for the face of the world” by opposing public displays of hate and exclusion, which can quickly escalate into violence against marginalized groups43.
Civic engagement, from protest to voting to supporting independent organizations, is presented as a bulwark against creeping authoritarianism57.
7. Recognizing and Resisting Emergency Powers
Snyder details how authoritarians exploit crises—real or manufactured—to suspend rights and consolidate power, often using rhetoric around “emergencies” to justify extraordinary actions. He warns that such powers, once granted, are rarely relinquished3.
A Guide for Citizens: On Tyranny is not just a historical analysis; it’s a practical manual for ordinary people. Snyder’s lessons are designed to empower individuals to recognize early warning signs of tyranny and to take concrete steps to defend democracy in their daily lives71.
Relevance to Contemporary Politics: While rooted in European history, the book is explicitly aimed at readers in the United States and other democracies facing rising authoritarian tendencies. Snyder draws parallels between past collapses and current threats, making the book timely and relevant15.
Call to Moral Responsibility: Snyder emphasizes that the defense of democracy is not the sole responsibility of politicians or elites but of every citizen. He calls for moral courage, independent thinking, and active participation to prevent the erosion of freedom67.
The book has been praised as “clarifying and unnerving,” and “a ‘how to’ guide for resisting tyranny”1. Some critics argue it is occasionally overwrought, but most agree that its urgency and clarity make it a powerful tool for civic education1.
On Tyranny stands as a vital warning and a handbook for democratic resilience, urging readers to learn from history, recognize threats early, and act decisively to preserve freedom and justice145.