Summary

Chapter 17 advises the reader to be weary of “the idea of the exception” (100). Snyder gives the example of the Nazi regime which claimed an exceptional national situation as justification for many of its actions. Because Germany was under particular threat, they argued, it was necessary to suspend normal rules and restrict the freedom of individuals. The author argues that this is a common tactic among tyrants. In today’s environment, politicians often invoke the threat of terrorism and the more vague “extremism.” Potential tyrants could easily manipulate this fear to concentrate their power. While this is a real threat, it does not justify relinquishing freedoms to an authoritarian regime. In Snyder’s view, the choice between freedom and safety is a false dichotomy. It is the government’s responsibility to increase both simultaneously. Further, in many cases, having less freedom actually decreases safety...