Today, I finished The Road to Unfreedom by Yale Historian Timothy Snyder. In this book, Snyder introduces the concepts of “politics of inevitability” and “politics of eternity” and applies said concepts to Russia’s political development from the 20th century until modern Russia under Vladimir Putin.
The Politics of Inevitability reflects the belief that history moves in a predetermined direction, often toward liberal democracy, and that there are no alternatives to this progression. This view assumes a certain automaticity in historical development, where the future is just a continuation of the free market and democratic reforms.
The Politics of Inevitability seems partially derived from Francis Fukuyama’s End of History, which states that the global spread of liberal democracy and free market capitalism may represent the final stage of humanity’s ideological evolution, marking the endpoint of all sociopolitical development.
Snyder depicts Politics of Eternity as a nostalgic and cyclical view of history, where a nation returns to a supposed golden age, often focusing on victimhood and an us-versus-them mentality. This perspective sees history as repetitive and is utilized by authoritarian leaders to maintain power by manipulating national myths and grievances.
The politics of inevitability and the politics of eternity are not exact opposites but contrasting narratives about history and the future. The best way to characterize their relationship is as competing perspectives.
Post-Cold War America reflects an example of the politics of inevitability in action. Notably, the belief that liberal democracy and free-market capitalism would spread worldwide after the Cold War led to a global order in which democratic governance and economic liberalization were seen as the ultimate and inevitable endpoints of societal development.
Snyder cites European Union integration as another example of the politics of inevitability, the idea that European nations would continue to integrate politically and economically. Moving towards an ever-closer union, suggesting linear progress towards deeper integration and harmony.
Turning to the politics of eternity, Snyder points to Putin’s Russia and Trump’s America as examples.
Putin’s Russia utilizes a narrative of historical greatness and perpetual victimization by Western powers to justify authoritarian rule and territorial expansions, as seen in the annexation of Crimea and the narrative of protecting Russian speakers and culture outside Russia’s borders.
In Trump’s America, the renowned “Make America Great Again” slogan invokes a nostalgic return to a past golden age, presenting the United States as beleaguered by foreign competition and internal decay, necessitating a return to former greatness. A classic use of eternity politics.
Timothy Snyder views the politics of eternity as dangerous. He argues that it manipulates historical narratives and national myths to foster a sense of eternal victimhood and conflict, which can justify authoritarian measures, undermine democratic institutions, and erode the rule of law.
By focusing on past grievances and enemies, the politics of eternity diverts attention from present issues and future solutions, leading to a cycle of resentment and stagnation that threatens democratic governance and social cohesion.
Current Events
Israel-Palestine
UN Security Council demands immediate Gaza ceasefire after US abstains (Reuters)
The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution on Monday demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas after the United States abstained from the vote, sparking a spat with its ally Israel.
The remaining 14 council members voted for the resolution, which was proposed by the 10 elected members of the body. There was a round of applause in the council chamber after the vote.
Destruction, lawlessness and red tape hobble aid as Gazans go hungry (Reuters)
In mid-March, a line of trucks stretched for 3 kilometers along a desert road near a crossing point from Israel into the Gaza Strip. On the same day, another line of trucks, some 1.5 kilometers long, sometimes two or three across, was backed up near a crossing from Egypt into Gaza.
The trucks were filled with aid, much of it food, for the more than 2 million Palestinians in the war-ravaged enclave. About 50 kilometers from Gaza, more aid trucks – some 2,400 in total – were sitting idle this month in the Egyptian city of Al Arish, according to an Egyptian Red Crescent official.
Russia
4 Men Showing Signs of Beating Charged With Terrorism After Moscow Attack (New York Times)
The four, who were from Tajikistan but worked as migrant laborers in Russia, were remanded in custody until May 22, according to state and independent media outlets reporting from the proceedings, at Basmanny District Court. They face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Ukraine
As Russia Mourns Attack Victims, State Media Intensifies Blame of Ukraine (New York Times)
The [Russian] government appears to be stepping up efforts to pin the blame on Ukraine. On Sunday, hours after a district court arraigned four men suspected of carrying out the Friday night attack, the main evening news shows on Russia’s main television channels featured reports suggesting that Ukraine was responsible.
U.S. Immigration
US VP Harris hosts Guatemala's Arevalo for White House meeting on migration (Reuters)
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris hosts Guatemala's new liberal president, Bernardo Arevalo, at the White House on Monday to bolster his fledgling government and discuss how to reduce migration from Central America.
Harris's meeting, which was first reported by Reuters last week, is designed to underscore U.S. support for the new reform-minded president, whose inauguration was delayed in January by opponents seeking to weaken his authority.
Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash