Exile. Imprisonment. The end of elections. We know what tyranny looks like once it’s underway.

But how does it start?

In the Opinion Video above, you’ll meet people from around the world who missed the warning signs of tyranny taking root in their home countries.

They can see the red flags, in retrospect. And they have a word of caution: The rule of law doesn’t break down overnight, and checks and balances don’t collapse in an instant.

Tyranny takes time.

Kiana Cole is a producer with Opinion Video. Adam Westbrook is a producer and editor for Opinion Video.

Opinion Video combines original reporting with creative storytelling to produce visually transformative commentary. Pitch a video guest essay here.

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