On Tyranny

1. Resist anticipatory obedience and defend democratic institutions

Do not obey in advance.

Anticipatory obedience is a political tragedy that paves the way for authoritarian regimes. When citizens voluntarily extend their services to new leaders without being asked, they teach power what it can do. This behavior was evident in Nazi Germany and communist Czechoslovakia, where people's willingness to conform enabled rapid regime changes.

Defend institutions by actively supporting them. Choose an institution you care about—a court, a newspaper, a law, a labor union—and take its side. Institutions do not protect themselves; they fall one after the other unless each is defended from the beginning. Remember that the multi-party system and democratic elections are crucial safeguards against tyranny.

Examples of anticipatory obedience:

• Austrian Nazis capturing Jews before official orders
• Germans voting for the Nazi Party in 1932
• Czechs and Slovaks voting for the Communist Party in 1946

2. Maintain ethical standards and beware of paramilitary groups

Be wary of paramilitaries.

Professional ethics are crucial in resisting authoritarianism. Lawyers, doctors, businessmen, and civil servants who adhere to ethical standards can significantly hinder the implementation of tyrannical policies. For example, if lawyers had followed the norm of no execution without trial, or doctors had accepted the rule of no surgery without consent, the Nazi regime would have faced much greater difficulties in carrying out atrocities.

Paramilitary groups often serve as a tool for undermining democracy and the rule of law. These groups can take various forms, such as a political party's wing, a politician's personal bodyguard, or seemingly spontaneous citizens' initiatives. Their presence signals a degradation of the political order and can lead to its transformation.

Signs of paramilitary influence:

• Armed groups wearing uniforms and marching with torches
• Private security details clearing opponents from political rallies
• Intermixing of pro-leader paramilitaries with official police and military

3. Preserve privacy and engage in face-to-face interactions

Make eye contact and small talk.

Protect your privacy to maintain personal freedom. Remember that email is skywriting and consider using alternative forms of internet communication. Resolve any legal troubles to avoid providing "hooks" for potential tyrants to exploit. Control over personal information is crucial for maintaining the ability to act in the present and plan for the future.

Face-to-face interactions are essential for breaking down social barriers and understanding whom to trust. In times of political upheaval, simple gestures like a smile, handshake, or word of greeting can take on great significance. Making new friends and engaging in small talk can be the first step toward political change and resistance.

Ways to preserve privacy and engage personally:

• Use alternative forms of internet communication
• Have personal exchanges in person
• Make eye contact and engage in small talk with strangers
• Form new friendships and participate in social gatherings

4. Support civil society organizations and maintain international connections

Contribute to good causes.

Civil society organizations play a crucial role in sustaining freedom and democracy. Engaging in activities of interest to you, your friends, and your family—even if not expressly political—helps create a robust civil society. This engagement teaches trust beyond a narrow circle and helps recognize authorities from whom we can learn, making democratic politics more plausible and attractive.

International connections are vital in understanding and addressing global trends affecting democracy. Maintain friendships abroad or make new friends in other countries. Ensure that you and your family have passports, as the ability to travel and gain international perspective can be crucial in times of political upheaval.

Ways to support civil society and maintain international connections:

• Set up autopay for chosen charities
• Engage in local community activities and organizations
• Keep in touch with friends abroad
• Obtain and renew passports for you and your family

5. Be vigilant against extremism and terrorism rhetoric

Be alert to the use of the words extremism and terrorism.

Rhetoric of extremism and terrorism is often used by authoritarian regimes to suppress opposition and justify the curtailment of civil liberties. Be wary when politicians invoke these terms, especially in conjunction with calls for increased security at the expense of freedom. Remember that there is no necessary trade-off between security and liberty; often, gaining one does not require losing the other.

Emergency and exception are fatal notions that can be exploited to destroy democratic norms. As the Nazi legal theorist Carl Schmitt explained, focusing on the idea of exception is a way to destroy all rules. Be cautious when leaders claim that the present moment is exceptional and requires extraordinary measures.

Red flags in political rhetoric:

• Labeling dissenters as "extremists" or "terrorists"
• Calls for increased security at the expense of civil liberties
• Declarations of states of emergency or exception
• Use of patriotic vocabulary to justify antidemocratic actions

6. Recognize and resist terror management tactics

When the terrorist attack comes, remember that authoritarians exploit such events in order to consolidate power.

Terror management is a tactic used by authoritarian regimes to consolidate power and suppress opposition. Historical examples like the Reichstag fire in Nazi Germany demonstrate how a single act of terror can be used to institute a regime of terror that lasts for years. Modern authoritarians have become even more creative in their use of real, questionable, and fake terrorist incidents to manipulate public opinion and justify power grabs.

Resist immediate submission to emergency measures proposed in the wake of terrorist attacks. While natural fear and grief are understandable, it's crucial to recognize and resist terror management right away, even when it seems most difficult to do so. Be skeptical of sudden disasters that allegedly require the end of checks and balances, the dissolution of opposition parties, or the suspension of civil liberties.

Examples of terror management tactics:

• Nazi exploitation of the Reichstag fire
• Putin's use of apartment bombings to consolidate power
• Creation of fake terrorist threats to influence elections
• Exaggeration of security threats to justify curtailing civil liberties

7. Embrace true patriotism over nationalism

Set a good example of what America means for the generations to come. They will need it.

True patriotism involves wanting the nation to live up to its ideals and asking citizens to be their best selves. It requires concern with the real world and universal values by which to judge the nation, always wishing it well while hoping for improvement. Patriotism acknowledges the possibility of threats to democracy and actively works to prevent them.

Nationalism, in contrast, encourages people to be their worst while claiming they are the best. It is relativist, lacking universal values, and often dwells on resentment and victimhood. Nationalists may engage in actions that undermine democratic institutions and values while claiming to act in the nation's interest.

Characteristics of true patriotism vs. nationalism:

• Patriotism: Upholds democratic values, respects institutions, embraces universal ethics
• Nationalism: Glorifies past myths, scapegoats minorities, dismisses international cooperation

8. Cultivate critical thinking and historical awareness

History allows us to see patterns and make judgments. It sketches for us the structures within which we can seek freedom.

Critical thinking is essential in resisting the allure of simplistic political narratives. Be wary of the "politics of inevitability," which assumes progress is inevitable, and the "politics of eternity," which dwells on mythicized past glories and perpetual victimhood. Both these perspectives are antihistorical and can lead to political apathy or manipulation.

Historical awareness provides the context needed to understand current political trends and potential futures. It allows us to recognize patterns, make informed judgments, and imagine alternative possibilities. Engage with diverse sources of information, including books, to develop a nuanced understanding of political realities and potential threats to democracy.

Ways to cultivate critical thinking and historical awareness:

• Read diverse sources, including books on history and political theory
• Question prevailing narratives about inevitable progress or past glories
• Analyze current events in historical context
• Engage in discussions about political ideas and their implications

Last updated: January 24, 2025