Prof Marci Shore, a specialist in eastern European history, found herself thrust into the spotlight when she, along with fellow scholars Timothy Snyder and Jason Stanley, announced their move from Yale to the University of Toronto. Their relocation was driven by a stark warning about the parallels between current events in the US and the rise of fascism in 1930s Germany. Shore’s insights draw from her deep understanding of history, particularly totalitarian regimes like that of Hitler and Stalin.

Her concerns stem from the erosion of truth and the normalization of falsehoods in contemporary politics, epitomized by figures like Trump and Putin. Shore’s fears were heightened by the events following Trump’s 2024 election, including the Capitol insurrection and attacks on democratic institutions. She worries that the US is teetering towards civil war, fueled by a culture of violence and political permissiveness.

Despite feeling guilty for leaving America in its time of need, Shore prioritizes her family’s safety and her ability to speak out from a secure position in Canada. Her reflections on courage and personal responsibility offer a poignant glimpse into the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in tumultuous times. While she remains uncertain about the future, her historical perspective suggests that hope may lie in the unexpected possibilities that history can unfold.

Shore’s story serves as a compelling narrative of intellectual integrity, personal struggle, and moral conviction in the face of political turmoil and societal division. Her journey raises profound questions about courage, responsibility, and the ever-present specter of history repeating itself.