The Rule of Law vs. Revenge Culture: Insights from Timothy Snyder
Timothy Snyder's analysis in "The Shamans and the Chieftain" warns of the dangers of revenge culture and the erosion of the rule of law, drawing parallels to historical precedents and Trump's coup attempt.
In "The Shamans and the Chieftain," Timothy Snyder explores the critical importance of the rule of law in preventing a culture of revenge. He contrasts historical revenge cultures, where chieftains and shamans dictated justice, with modern constitutional orders that rely on impartial courts. Snyder warns that the legal and political theories behind Donald Trump's attempted coup and claims of presidential immunity threaten to revert the U.S. to a revenge-driven society. He draws parallels to Nazi legal theory, emphasizing the dangers of allowing any leader to be above the law. Snyder's analysis is a stark reminder of the necessity of equality and non-violence in upholding constitutional integrity.
"To contemplate 'presidential immunity'...is to cast aside the rule of law and summon up the ghost of revenge culture."
Timothy Snyder
