The end of the Cold War heralded a false dawn of liberal democracy, as authoritarianism re-emerged in Russia and spread globally. Timothy Snyder, a historian and author, argues that Vladimir Putin utilized fascist ideas to consolidate power and justify oligarchic rule, subsequently exporting this model to the West. This expansion was facilitated by Russian military actions in Ukraine and cyber warfare targeting European and American institutions. The book details how Russian influence found allies among various Western nationalist and radical groups, exploiting societal vulnerabilities to achieve goals such as Brexit and the election of Donald Trump, thereby challenging democratic norms and institutions.

In this forceful and unsparing work of contemporary history, Timothy Snyder exposes the true nature of the threat to democracy and law, drawing on vast research and personal reporting. The book has been recognized for its rigorous analysis of the resurgence of authoritarianism and its global spread, particularly from Russia. Snyder's work is noted for its ability to connect contemporary political events to deeper historical and ideological currents, offering a stark assessment of the challenges facing Western societies. By framing the current moment as a choice between fundamental political virtues and their opposites, Snyder aims to restore an understanding of the basis of our way of life and provide a path forward.