Conversations with Bill Kristol Timothy Snyder on the Trump Administration at Home, and What’s at Stake in Ukraine
Oct 17, 2025
Timothy Snyder, a historian renowned for his insights on Eastern Europe and authoritarianism, discusses the U.S. political landscape nine months into Trump's second term. He highlights the dangers of mechanized lying and the erosion of truth, examining how right-wing narratives justify authoritarianism. Snyder also delves into Ukraine, emphasizing its resilience despite the ongoing war while warning that a Russian victory could reshape global norms. He stresses the importance of a robust U.S. presence for informed policy-making and draws parallels between domestic and international governance.
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Mechanized Lying And Manufactured Enemies
- The Trump-era media strategy is a mechanization of lying that produces internet-ready clips rather than truth.
- Leaders manufacture enemies and then use force to create 'evidence' of those invented conspiracies.
Charisma Works At Home, Not Abroad
- Charisma lets demagogues claim rules don't apply to them and justify breaking institutions.
- Trump's charisma works domestically but fails to project strength internationally, weakening U.S. global standing.
From State To Party-Controlled Apparatus
- The administration is converting the state into a party-driven project rather than dismantling it entirely.
- They're rapidly dropping and repurposing state functions, risking catastrophic gaps in services and defense.
