Tyranny: Unlimited authority or use of power, or a government which exercises such power without any control or limits. It is the concentration and abuse of power when left unchecked, used to suppress fact and truth, and limit public voice. But how does tyranny begin? As Timothy Snyder argues in 20 Lessons on Tyranny / Read by John Lithgow, it advances gradually through small acts of compliance, silence, and the normalization of falsehood.
These lessons presented here carry significant weight, especially in today's political climate. Effective governance depends on independent institutions, professional ethics, and a shared commitment to evidence. This is especially true when it comes to climate policy for example. When science is distorted and public debate is suppressed, we undermine not only democratic resilience, but also the resilience of our communities that rely on future-looking evidence-based climate policy.
Snyder’s message is grounded in civic responsibility: defend institutions, uphold truth, support good causes, and stay engaged in public life. Regulatory integrity, transparent decision-making, meaningful public participation, and Indigenous leadership are foundational to a credible and fair government system.
Lithglow’s narration in the video makes the message clear, offering practical guidance and actions that anyone can take to avoid the erosion of legal norms (e.g., regular elections, civilian control of the military, legislative oversight, and equal protection under the law, etc.), by asking us to reflect on how language, responsibility, and civic habits shape our everyday lives. In the climate context, it is by protecting democratic life that we build resilient, science-based climate solutions – both in policy and in practice.
Written by: Sabrina Careri
Image credit: Parker Johnson from Unsplash
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