Learning Activity 7: ON TYRANNY Chapters 6 & 7

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS IN ON TYRANNY Chapters  6 & 7

Chapter 6 Be Wary of Paramilitaries

1. What danger does Snyder see in the rise of paramilitary groups within the USA? What examples from other countries does he cite to prove his point?
2. Can you think of recent examples where such groups have tried to wield their power through threat of violence?
3. Why does Snyder mention the federal government's use of mercenaries and the privatization of prisons as a concern? How might these trends degrade democracy?
4. Why might an authoritarian leader build up a private security force around himself/herself?

Chapter 7:

This lesson points out that although much atrocity in history has been committed by specialized police forces, (his examples, the SS or Gestapo, and the NKVD), in actuality these groups often relied on the cooperation of local/regular police officers to do their dirty work. At the present time in the USA, many have noted with some concern the increased militarization of our municipal police forces and the increasing long-arm and authority of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

Snyder’s point is not to argue for or against such trends as such as to point out the danger to freedom when normal police functions become co-opted for nefarious purposes by authoritarian regimes or corrupt officials.

QUESTION: Compare and contrast the roles and purposes that ideally should exist between municipal police, ostensibly in service to public safety versus military forces or specialized enforcement units employed for other ends. Why do these distinctions matter? What is at risk if the lines are blurred?