Svoboda – Snyder Timothy (2025)

The fundamental cause of the current political crises in Western democracies is a misunderstanding of freedom. Freedom is perceived negatively, as the absence of state power: We feel free when we can say and do whatever we want and avoid government influence. However, true freedom has a positive character; it is freedom for something: the freedom to develop and collectively invest in the future. Freedom is a value that enables the existence of all other values.
Timothy Snyder, in his new book, develops the ideas of F. Fanon, V. Havel, L. Kołakowski, E. Stein, and S. Weil. The book primarily seeks to answer the question: What attitudes and practical steps will allow us to shape the type of state in which we and future generations will thrive?

Snyder's interpretation teaches us to appreciate the significance of traditions defended by the right, as well as the role of state institutions advocated by the left, and outlines a path to a new political consensus. The book is a brilliant exploration of the theme of freedom in the contemporary world.