This was a treat. A fascinating perspective on the news of our troubled times.
Timothy Snyder is an intellectual hero of mine. His classic work, Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin, changed the way I—and countless other readers—understand the history of the Second World War. It is a powerful, brilliant book.
And now, over the last decade, Tim has become an indispensable voice in understanding The Age of Trump (as I believe future historians will call our times, alas). His books On Tyranny and On Freedom have served as both incisive analyses of this era, and as sources of inspiration for the great struggle that defines it.
So today, Tim and I talked about the news. The trouncing of Viktor Orbán in Hungary and what it may portend, in an election that brought to an end 15 years of illiberal government in Central Europe. The shocking attack on Pope Leo XIV by President Trump, and what it might tell us about the limits of Trump’s own brand of illiberalism. The coming midterm elections, and ideas for the Democrats not just in how to secure a victory, but also in building the kind of new coalitions and a new liberalism to counter the (flagging?) spirit of the Age of Trump.
It was great to talk with Tim, and learn from him. Enjoy.
—Terry
