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The Road to Unfreedom

Russia, Europe, America

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The Road to Unfreedom

By: Timothy Snyder
Narrated by: Timothy Snyder
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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 toward 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.

©2018 Timothy Snyder (P)2018 Random House Audio 21st Century Comparative History & Theory International Relations Modern Political Science Politics & Government Russia Socialism Authoritarianism Soviet Union War Imperialism Scary Thought-Provoking Cold War

Critic reviews

"Combining topical reporting with delvings into the history of ideas and some political-philosophical musing in the author’s own voice, this relatively short book covers a vast canvas.... A roller-coaster world calls for a news editor's skill in processing facts and a philosopher's ability to dissect ideologies. Snyder has both." (The Economist)

"The Road to Unfreedom offers a brief, potent and carefully documented history of Vladimir Putin's consolidation of power in Russia, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election." (Chicago Tribune)

“We are living in dangerous times, Timothy Snyder argues forcefully and eloquently in his new book.... To understand Putin, Snyder argues persuasively, you must understand his ideas.... The Road to Unfreedom is a good wake-up call.” (Margaret MacMillan, The New York Times Book Review)
  • A New York Times Editors' Choice
  • Shortlisted for the 2019 Lionel Gelber Prize
Comprehensive Historical Analysis • Insightful Political Commentary • Excellent Narration • Detailed Geopolitical Context
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This book is an interesting analysis of historical events and politics that brought us to the world of Trump-type leaders. It is a fascinating explanation of how differently a fascist-thinking influencer truly believes that he is entitled to be a god for the world, possess everything, and feel nothing for others. It is like a very scary mystery with no ending, no resolution. Unfortunately, these men are real and are major players in our world.

A Deep Dive into the Sea of Events that Brought US Trump

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If you want to truly understand the nature of today’s political climate, then Snyder is a must read.

A must read

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this was exactly the book I needed. it not only clarified and put together some of the information I had heard in the news, mostly regarding Russian influence over US politics, but also painted an important picture of where these motivations came from, using Russians activities o
in Ukraine as illustration. I was expecting something more like an essay, which is more of the second part. I was surprised and delighted by the rich history I received in addition to the grounding ideas. both are essential bulwark against tyranny.

excellent! Looking forward to listening again.

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engaging. well cited. must read for any advocate of democracy. I've read it and listened to the audiobook.

the most important book of the 21st century

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I always knew Russians meddled in US politics and around the world but I had no idea what was going behind the scenes until reading this book. Author also goes into detail about where Russia's fascist regime and ideology comes from.

We are at a juncture presently and can very well end up with moving towards authoritarianism sadly. This book is quite important.

If you're concerned with democracy read this book!

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To understand how our democracy has been gravely wounded and how to heal. MUST READ.

A critical book for our time

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I really liked the level of details and sudden highlights of connections between events and people.

I really appreciate all the hard work put into compiling this very accurate summary of the events of the past 30 years.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to build a solid picture of the fragments of everyday news as well as to those seeking easy solutions to everyday problems.

The most accurate summary of modern era possible

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Everyone who cares about real freedom and facts should read or listen to this book. It is a timely and scholarly analysis that clearly explains the current state of affairs in the US and the US vis-à-vis Europe, Russia and Ukraine. This book is an intellectual and inspirational triumph which has opened my eyes.

An erudite eye opener of vital importance

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Snyder delivers a timely consolidation of modern Russian government and its influences, its interference in the 2016 U.S. election, and the nature of prevailing fascism.

Strikingly Prescient

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For anyone who wants to understand where we are as Americans and the choices we face, this book is required reading.

Required Reading

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