The Nazis persecuted Jews in the 1930s and 40s, unfairly blaming them for Germany’s defeat in WWI. Do you think that there are groups within the US that are being unfairly blamed for the US’s problems today? What did you think about Milgram’s experiment? How do you think knowledge of this experiment can be used to positively influence behaviour? What are some ways to use this knowledge effectively in our families and communities?

Do you think of any democratic institutions are currently under attack? Give examples and explain. What do you think citizens can do to defend democratic institutions from attack?

Do you agree or disagree with Snyder’s argument that paper ballots are needed for elections? Explain why, and what needs to be done to achieve this. Respond to the famous saying, “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” What do you think your role is in this?

Do you see any signs of hate in your community? Czech dissident Vaclav Havel wrote, “…. By accepting the prescribed ritual, by accepting appearances as reality, by accepting the given rules of the game, thus making it possible for the game to go on, for it to exist in the first place.” (page 37) What do you think he meant? What could be done to ensure that no one plays the game?

Why do you think some people did not adhere to professional ethics in Nazi Germany? What were the qualities of those German professionals who resisted Nazi requests? What were the consequences for both groups?

Are there any paramilitary organizations in the United States right now? “When the men with guns who have always claimed to be against the system start wearing uniforms and marching around with torches and pictures of a Leader, the end is nigh. When the pro-leader paramilitary and the official police and military intermingle, the end has come.” What does this mean? How does this relate to current events?

Why do you think many German and Soviet policemen followed orders? Why do you think some police refused? The title of this chapter is, “Be reflective if you must be armed?” What do you think the author is advocating?

What does the author mean, “The moment you set an example, the spell of the status quo is broken, and others will follow?” Can you think of Americans, past or present, who have helped break the spell of the status quo? How can each of us follow their examples?

How did Hitler use the term – the people? Can you think of other examples of how politicians use language to create political division and control? Do you agree or disagree with the author that it is important for each of us to “Avoid pronouncing the phrases everyone else does. Think up your own way of speaking …” (page 59) How important is individual expression?

What do you think Snyder means when he writes, “Post-truth is pre-fascism.”? Explain how the Nazis used propaganda to persuade Germans to follow Hitler. How is propaganda now used to support tyrannical regimes? What are the main sources and how is it disseminated? How do you think we can combat propaganda?

Discuss the meaning of Snyder’s observation that, “Within the two-dimensional internet world, new collectivities have arisen, invisible by the light of day – tribes with distinct world views beholden to manipulation.” Reflect on your own use of the internet. Are you a good citizen when you are online or have you participated in some of the negative practices the author describes? How could you improve your own online presence?

Why does the author argue that making eye contact and small talk is more than being polite? The author writes, “Having old friends in politics is a last resort. And making new ones is the first step towards change.” (page 82) What are small ways that each of us can reach out to others, especially to those we don’t know or may have previously feared?

The author argues that “Power wants your body softening in a chair and your emotions dissipating on the screen.” (page 83) Do you think that spending time online dissipates your emotions? Do you think it helps people in power? Why or why not? Snyder suggests that you “Make new friends and march with them.” (page 83) He is calling for political activism in the streets – rather than just expressing opinions online. What do you think? Is demonstrating sometimes necessary to prevent authoritarianism? What were the lessons that the author drew from the Solidarity labor movement in Poland? Have you ever participated in a peaceful protest? Are there issues you feel strongly about that might lead you publicly demonstrate? Why or why not?

What does the author mean when he writes, “email is skywriting?” (page 87) Do you agree or disagree? What steps have you taken to make sure your electronic privacy isn’t violated? “Nastier rulers will use what they know about you to push you around.” What does this mean to you?

“But one element of freedom is the choice of associates, and one defense of freedom is the activity of groups to sustain their members.” (page 93) Are there groups you associate with? As Snyder argues, they don’t have to be political groups. In what ways have authoritarian leaders opposed the free association of individuals? Give an example. What different ways can you contribute to good causes?

Snyder writes that many observers of the 2016 election from Eastern Europe were not surprised by its outcome? Why does he argue they could predict the outcome? What tactics did the Russians use against the Ukrainians that they also employed against the US in the 2016 election? Do you agree or disagree with the author’s notion that Americans have lots to learn from people in other countries, especially those who have had experiences with authoritarian governments? How about you? Have you come from or traveled to different countries? If so, what did you learn from these experiences?

What does the author mean when he writes, “Be angry about the treacherous use of patriotic vocabulary?” (page 99) How can patriotic words be used for treacherous purposes? Why doesn’t Snyder believe that Americans must give up their freedoms in the name of safety? What do you think? How do tyrants use the word extremism? Can you think of examples of US politicians who use patriotic words for treacherous purposes?

Snyder argues that tyrannical leaders use crisis and terror attacks to destroy democratic institutions and take away citizens’ liberties. Explain with examples. Snyder writes, “For us, the lesson is that our natural fear and grief must not enable the destruction of our institutions.” (page 110) What does the author mean? Can you think of examples of how current politicians exploit our fears in ways that could potentially lead to the destruction of our democratic institutions?

Snyder cites several examples of Trump’s unpatriotic behavior. Do you agree or disagree with these criticisms? Explain. According to the author, what are the main differences between patriotism and nationalism? Give several examples of American patriotism that you have observed or read about. What are patriotic actions you can take?

“If none of us is prepared to die for freedom, then all of us will die under tyranny.” (page 115) Discuss the meaning of this sentence. What are the different ways people can show courage? How do small, everyday acts of resistance contribute to larger change? Who are some everyday heroes in your family and neighbourhood?

Which of Snyder’s lessons resonates most with your values? Does Snyder seem to value freedom or equality as more important to human rights? Which do you think is more important? When might we have to choose? What is missing from Snyder’s framework for resisting tyranny?

What issues do you feel are most important to tackle? What methods do you feel will be most effective in making change? Are you ready for the challenge?

Did you enjoy this discussion? Do you think there is value in doing another pop-up? What burning questions, observations, or comments do you want to share? Has this book or this discussion inspired you to make any changes or to take any kind of action? What would be the most effective way to share the knowledge that you acquired with others?