The Road to Unfreedom

Russia, Europe, America

By: Timothy Snyder

Narrated by: Timothy Snyder

With the end of the Cold War, the victory of liberal democracy was thought to be absolute. Observers declared the end of history, confident in a peaceful, globalized future. But we now know this to be premature. Authoritarianism first returned in Russia, as Putin developed a political system dedicated solely to the consolidation and exercise of power. In the last six years, it has creeped from east to west as nationalism inflames Europe, abetted by Russian propaganda and cyberwarfare. While countries like Poland and Hungary have made hard turns towards authoritarianism, the electoral upsets of 2016 revealed the citizens of the US and UK in revolt against their countries’ longstanding policies and values.

But this threat to the West also presents the opportunity to better understand the pillars of our own political order. In this forceful and unsparing work of contemporary history, Snyder goes beyond the headlines to expose the true nature of the threat to democracy. By showcasing the stark choices before us—between equality or oligarchy, individuality or totality, truth and falsehood—Snyder restores our understanding of the basis of our way of life, offering a way forward in a time of terrible uncertainty.

Fellow citizens

I beg you to read this book. I beg you to think about this book. I beg you to think about citizenry and the consequences of your seemingly mundane choices (like where you get your news) have on your impact as a citizen.

This book confronts home truths. The depth of that confrontation makes this a book you will probably have to breath through. If you you read this book, thank you for your courage, we will all walk out of this dark defining moment together, and along the way rediscover and recommit to the principles of western democracy

If you love your country, read or listen to this book

It is hard to see what is happening to our democracy without historical context. This book provides that.

I write this 3 days before the 2020 election. We will soon know whether we continue on the road to Unfreedom or start the journey back.

Magnificent

One of the best books I’ve read/listened to. It opens your eyes even further on the Russian politics and possible repercussions for the region.

Once again, a must read/listen!

This is the fourth volume I've read authored by Professor Snyder. Bloodlands, Black Earth, On Tyranny and now Road to Unfreedom. Provacative, insightful, sparkling narrative and searing analysis. is it possible to rate his works ten stars?

A must read

This is a must read for anyone who wants to better understand the current affairs of the world. Fascinating and frightening account of events that reveal the roots of the moves and the links in between. It puts a new emphasis on individual responsibility.