Is Democracy Doomed? The Global Fight for Our Future | Timothy Snyder | TED

"Democracy is about WANTING democracy." Such an important point.

Loved "Democracy is a verb." "Freedom! Is such a precious thing. Don't just talk about it. Raise your voice and sing." Faith (1973)

I'm going to start listening to Professor Snyder's talks every time the existential dread feels overwhelming. He somehow calms me down

I love listening to Timothy Snyder.

Prof Snyder has emerged as maybe the most important voice in our times. The depth of knowledge, the expanse of his outlook and the clarity with which he presents his understandings and proposals has few if none peers at this moment. Listen to and read as much as your time allows of his. It is hugely important and has shaped and sharpened my political thinking and understanding of the global moment in history in ways that I did not imagine were possible. Thank You, Timothy Snyder. Thank You.

It is great. I am translating it into Ukrainian, it should be translated in many languages. It's so comprehensible, provoking, encouraging, empowering.

Tim is a treasure and a true gentleman.

I have respected this man more than almost anyone else alive(maybe even ever) for well over a decade and only do so more each time I hear him speak. Thank you once again Professor! I wish I could afford to have you as a teacher!! It's funny, I'm 40 and I don't think I have ever been more ready for school.....unfortunately I don't think I have ever been so poor either. I can't take on life changing debt at my age either especially considering what I want to learn doesn't have much of a monetary ROI. I "teach myself" A LOT, but I can't help but be a little jealous of those who have a dedicated education experience. Most of the stuff I have learned/am interested in isn't shared by anyone I know. The idea of learning something with like minded people is beyond appealing to me. If you have that chance, DO NOT TAKE IT FOR GRANTED!! Well back to busting my butt so I can barely pay the bills and be stressed all the time...yay....

I would love to study with Prof. Snyder in a University setting…I read his “On Tyranny” book back in 2016, and I have absolutely loved his stuff ever since. Such an IMPORTANT voice for these times.

As a romanian I see democracy and communism as organs in my body although I was born in the transition period. I see democracy as an organ I have to nourish and communism as a physical embodiment of generational trauma that I am never getting rid of but that keeps me afraid and vigilent. For example I live with the feeling that freedom is illusory,I was born with the feeling that the next big thing is coming, that history will come for us again and we will have to fight and that there will never be peace. This feeling has been elaborated by romanian refugees in the 1950s,I did not have to think about it, I was born with it, like an infection and democracy is the constant treatment and struggle.

The way he pronounce his words is very loud and clear. It can be easily understood by many, due to that fact the way they speak and express their thoughts is very clear and precise. Overall the speaker is has a good verbal communication.

'Democracy is inside us...Democracy is a verb" Yes!

People think democracy is a “system” rather than the mentality of each person to take responsibility.

Thank you, such an eloquent and thoughtful speaker. We find it easier/safer to think the worst of others, which harkens to Timothy's thoughts on democracy, that can only thrive with trust. Autocrats are, at their heart, liars and cowards, appealing to the notion, everyone else, 'but' you, is responsible for the world's ills. We are all responsible for the mess we are in, and are all responsible for creating a better future.

This man is just brilliant. Such a broad understanding of where we are in history. It's a pleasure to listen to him.

Could listen to this guy forever

Thanks for saying it out loud, Professor. Freedom is something one loses the moment one stops fighting for it.

Great interview, I'm surprised that the comments didn't pick up on his reference to social media. Social media is one of the greatest threats to democracy if left unregulated

Looking forward to his forthcoming book about the philosophy of freedom.

My entire active life was focused on the concept that democracy is the process of people participating and is not the structure or only the parliament, and of course also defending Human rights for *all* people (fascists believe in rights for the deserving). I admit that around 48 years old, I was burnt out though, and the current waves of madness and conspiracy theories (often born in the USA from conservative movements) makes my dream of improving democracy feel like a total failure. I am 51 now and getting back up. - in Quebec, Canada, by the way