The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America

Considering Snyder’s discussion of the shift from the politics of inevitability to the politics of eternity, how does this transformation impact the perception and role of individual agency within societies transitioning toward authoritarianism? Explore the psychological and social consequences of this shift on citizens’ engagement in civic duties and responsibilities.

Analyze the role of historical narratives in the resurgence of authoritarian ideologies as discussed in Snyder’s The Road to Unfreedom. What are some of the main narrative strategies that Russian leaders used after the fall of the USSR in 1991? How do manipulated historical narratives serve authoritarian agendas?

Discuss the implications of the revival of Ivan Ilyin’s philosophies in modern Russian politics as portrayed by Snyder. How does this revival influence Russia’s domestic policies and its foreign relations with neighboring countries, particularly in terms of shaping national identity and justifying geopolitical strategies?