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The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018

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Book Brief

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Timothy Snyder

The Road to Unfreedom

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

359

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Russia • 2010s

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Road to Unfreedom by Timothy Snyder explores the ideological shifts and political manipulations shaping contemporary geopolitics, focusing on the rise of authoritarianism in Russia since the Soviet Union's collapse and its implications for Europe and the United States, particularly emphasizing Ukraine's 2014 Maidan Revolution. Sensitive topics depicted include violence and political suppression.

Informative

Dark

Unnerving

Mysterious

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.5

12,362 ratings

89%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Timothy Snyder's The Road to Unfreedom provides a compelling analysis of the decline of democracy, blending historical context with contemporary events. Readers praise its thorough research and clear writing. However, some critics find it overly alarmist and politically biased. Overall, it's recognized as a thought-provoking but contentious examination of modern threats to freedom.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Road to Unfreedom?

Readers who gravitate towards The Road to Unfreedom by Timothy Snyder are likely intrigued by contemporary politics, authoritarian regimes, and historical analysis. Fans of The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt or On Tyranny, also by Snyder, will find this book insightful.

4.5

12,362 ratings

89%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Timothy Snyder

An American historian and professor at Yale University, known for his analysis of totalitarian regimes and author of books examining historical narratives and contemporary politics.

A Russian philosopher whose theories on Russian nationalism and identity are explored for their impact on current Russian political ideology.

The longtime president of Russia, whose leadership is discussed in relation to the politics of eternity and Russian geopolitical strategies.

A Russian philosopher and political theorist, known for promoting Eurasianism and influencing Russian geopolitical thought.

Former president of Ukraine, whose leadership is scrutinized for its pro-Russian stance and role in Ukraine's political turmoil.

A Soviet and Russian historian whose theories on ethnogenesis and Eurasianism are analyzed for their influence on modern Russian nationalism.

A former FSB officer and military leader involved in the annexation of Crimea and the Ukrainian conflict, exemplifying the interplay of military actions and narrative warfare.

Book Details
Pages

359

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Russia • 2010s

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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