People & Blogs

Democracy isn’t a thing you have — it’s a thing you do. #TEDTalks

Published

8 months ago

August 19, 2025

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If you think democracy is some kind of inevitable, default setting for the world, then you aren’t going to have it for very long, says historian and author Timothy Snyder. From World War I to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Snyder dives into the structures that uplift and tear down political systems, offering a historical perspective on the current state of democracy around the world as well as the patterns of thought that lead to tyranny. Learn more about a new approach to democracy that could help create and protect a future of freedom.

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14 Comments

@TED

August 19, 2025 at 12:51 pm

This clip was from a live TED Member conversation. Join us for future events by becoming a member today!

Reply
@joeyg283

August 19, 2025 at 1:13 pm

Well said. 💯

Reply
@jerrygrinnell2290

August 19, 2025 at 1:14 pm

*constitutional republic *

Reply
@jf-jx4ym

August 19, 2025 at 3:20 pm

Is Democracy More cruel than other ways,towards other living things… if it exists?

Reply
@RobertSteiner-tl2wz

August 19, 2025 at 6:37 pm

We are a constitutional republic not a democracy, what is the point of the Ted talk.

Reply
@toddgardner2826

August 19, 2025 at 7:42 pm

Democracy is “mob rule,” and the mob is brutal and vicious. I like our constitutional republic.

Reply
@Nichole8609

August 19, 2025 at 10:24 pm

Timothy Snyder has taught me so much about what freedom means. I never went to college. But if given the chance, I would take only one class and that would be his class. His books have opened my eyes and mind to the country I live and having an understanding of other countries

Reply
@dcmirk

August 20, 2025 at 1:00 am

Democracy is great so long as the Republicans are in control and the Democrats have no power. Simple

Reply
@Ever-x4o

August 20, 2025 at 4:15 am

Democracy only can exist if decentralisation of power is possible and not over taken by centralisation

Reply
@catsploitation

August 20, 2025 at 5:42 am

He’s using Dharma principles (Buddhist) applied to political reality and he’s absolutely right.

Reply
@EA-tc6kb

August 20, 2025 at 6:08 am

Until a monopoly starts capturing the institutions that uphold it.

Reply
@lulu111_the_cool

August 20, 2025 at 10:15 am

Not rule. Decided.

Reply
@justoneman3916

August 20, 2025 at 1:03 pm

More importantly, if Democracy falls in the US would anyone hear it?

Reply
@LordAugastus

August 21, 2025 at 8:22 pm

Democracy died, when we gave money power then gave all the money to the 1%,once again spawning a ruling owner class…. Turns out then they can work us like slaves, and don’t give us time to participate in family, community or even democratic process.. Ironic isn’t it in a way

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People & Blogs

How to make sure your IRL is actually IRL

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People & Blogs

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Author David Larbi recites a poem about the journey toward joy, reminding us of all the ways it can be found: having a conversation with a stranger, tasting the perfect bite of food or enjoying a good stretch. Joy is all around us — you just need to know where to look. (Recorded at TEDNext…

Published

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People & Blogs

OpenClaw’s Peter Steinberger envisions a world where anyone — and everyone — can create AI agents

Published

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