This is a book you can read in a morning and is well worth the time. First published in 2017 it is shot through with real concern and a sense of urgency following early experiences of the Trump campaign and presidency.

The book, written by Timothy Snyder, Housum Professor of History at Yale, looks at the tyrannies of the 20th Century, particularly Hitlers Fascism and Stalin’s soviet communism. It identifies a set of behaviours to be avoided or adopted to oppose tyrants. These are set in a theory of history which see it as being made as much through the voluntary actions of the many as what appear to be the irresistible impositions of a few. And a theory of democracy which sees it as something to be tended and nurtured regularly. A key part citizenship is a responsibility to actively engage in that process.

His concerns about the behaviours of Trump which parallel those of tyrants of the 20th and 21st century have only become clearer in the period since the book was written. The attacks on the judiciary and the media; the rejection of truth; the characterisation of political opponents as extremists or enemies of the people; the use of the state apparatus to persecute critics; the demands for personal loyalty over professional integrity. The parallels with nazi Germany, the Soviet union and more recent political strongmen are truly frightening.

The book is a demand we learn from history and as citizens identify ways in which individually and collectively, in our day to day behaviour and in organised actions, we can oppose the threat which Trump is seen as posing.

The strategies include things which stated alone seem blindingly obvious, like “believe in truth”; “defend institutions”; “remember professional ethics”. Five years ago, as advice to a mature democracy, they would have appeared as simplistic truisms. It is interesting how, with four years of a Trump presidency, they take on a much more powerful relevance.

A key message of the book is that, as Professor Snyder puts it, “Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely given.” He warns against “anticipatory obedience”. This is where an aspirant tyrant starts to fly policy kites and waits to see if people start to adopt behaviours ahead of any specific action. If this occurs the tyrant is emboldened to go further.

The book outlines how this type of behaviour sealed the fate of Austrian Jews. How Hitler only had to threaten annexation of Austria to secure violent discrimination against Jews by Austrian nazis. This experience of anticipatory obedience taught the nazi leadership a lesson which added confidence to their organising of Kristallnacht.

On Tyranny provides a challenging frame to assess the Trump presidency. The author’s passion is clearly driven by his deep understanding of the holocaust. Particularly the recognition that the acts of omission by the many contributed to the horror as well as the acts of commission by the minority. In addition to the passion and urgency a real sense of fear pervades the writing.

At the time it was written I think the fear was well founded. As we approach the 2020 election I now have more hope. Although the awfulness of Trump was apparent his incompetence was still being revealed. An incompetence which extends not just to the governance of the nation but to his own affairs and long term best interest.

Two years down the track and it is clear he does not just lie to others he lies to himself. What is more, the self deception only gets worse as the reality and his mental picture of reality diverge. Whilst there is still significant risk with voter suppression; calls to his solid base of armed supporters to go poll watching; attempts to discredit the result and refusal to confirm he will accept it; packing the Supreme and federal court system to facilitate future legal challenge, there is a growing sense that American democracy is going to fight back.

The polls show not just a Biden lead but the potential for a blue wave to crash across the capitol taking both houses of Congress. It is no less than the pliant Republican poodles deserve. They are up to their necks in the outrageous behaviour of their president, whatever distance they are now trying to put between themselves hand him.

One institution, more than any other provides comfort that a Trump coup is unlikely to succeed. If you want to lead a coup make sure the armed forces are on your side. Two hundred and fifty years of civilian government has embedded a culture of military compliance with civilian authority. Further, you do not gain the support of people that risk their lives for their country by denigrating their sacrifice.

Professor Snyder’s worries about tyranny, may not come to fruition in the person of Donald Trump. Democracy may consign him to an ignoble chapter in the history of US presidents. However, no one should underestimate the stress US democracy has experienced over the past four years or its impact on the body politic.

Even if President Trump is voted out America has much to do to repair and strengthen its democratic systems and procedures but most important its democratic values. It remains to be seen whether Joe Biden is up to the job.

On Tyranny provides something of a yard stick to measure the damage that has been done. What it shows, across all parts of US governmental institutions, is that what was unthinkable 5 years ago has become commonplace. It would be a brave person, following the Trump presidency who could say “it could never happen here.” It is up to the American people to make sure it never does.

On Tyranny. Prof. Timothy Snyder.The Bodley Head. 2017