The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America

Analyze the role of historical narratives in the resurgence of authoritarian ideologies as discussed in Snyder’s The Road to Unfreedom. What are some of the main narrative strategies that Russian leaders used after the fall of the USSR in 1991? How do manipulated historical narratives serve authoritarian agendas?

Discuss the implications of the revival of Ivan Ilyin’s philosophies in modern Russian politics as portrayed by Snyder. How does this revival influence Russia’s domestic policies and its foreign relations with neighboring countries, particularly in terms of shaping national identity and justifying geopolitical strategies?

How can the concept of “managed democracy” be compared to other forms of soft authoritarianism globally? Explore the methods and consequences of this governance style in maintaining power while stifling genuine democratic processes.

Analyze the philosophical and ideological shifts from Soviet communism to post-Soviet Eurasianism as detailed by Snyder. How do these shifts reflect changes in Russian national identity and its geopolitical ambitions?

Examine the role of historical myths and ideological narratives in the consolidation of authoritarian regimes, using Russia’s portrayal of Putin as a modern-day redeemer and its revival of Soviet-era tactics as case studies. How do these narratives impact public perception and policy-making?

In light of Snyder’s analysis of the historical narratives used by Russia to justify its actions in Ukraine, how have other European nations utilized or contested such narratives in defining their national identities and foreign policies? Examine cases where historical narratives have been instrumental in shaping political or territorial claims and assess the implications for regional stability and international relations. For example, consider the cases of Hungary and Poland.

Snyder outlines the challenges faced by post-imperial states like Ukraine in navigating their identities and sovereignties. Discuss the role of historical legacies, economic policies, and external pressures in shaping these transitions, providing comparative analysis with non-European examples.

Analyzing the Maidan protests and subsequent political shifts in Ukraine as described by Snyder, evaluate the impact of civil society in political transformations in post-Soviet states. What lessons can be drawn about the power of civil society in influencing political change, and how might these lessons apply to other regions experiencing political unrest or authoritarian backsliding? Discuss the interplay between grassroots movements and formal political institutions in driving sustainable change.