Discussion questions for "There is nothing for you here"

  1. Personal vs. Global Narrative: How does Fiona Hill balance her personal narrative with broader geopolitical observations? How does her personal journey influence her professional insights?
  2. Opportunity’s Role: How is the theme of “opportunity” treated in the book? In what ways have declining opportunities impacted societies in both the U.S. and Russia?
  3. Populism’s Rise: What factors, according to Hill, contribute to the rise of populism in modern democracies? Can you identify other historical or contemporary examples that echo this sentiment?
  4. Comparative Analysis: What parallels does Hill draw between the socio-political landscapes of the U.S. and Russia? Were there any contrasts or similarities that surprised you?
  5. Civic Engagement: Discuss the importance of civic engagement as highlighted by Hill. How can active civic participation shape the fate of nations?
  6. The Essence of Democracy: Hill suggests that expanding opportunity is vital for the sustenance of democracy. Do you agree? How do you envision the future of democracies if disparities continue to grow?
  7. Personal Resilience: Fiona Hill’s journey from a mining town in England to the corridors of power in the U.S. is remarkable. What lessons can we draw from her personal resilience and determination?
  8. Societal Decay and Solutions: Which of Hill’s suggestions for addressing societal decay resonated most with you? What are some ways nations can proactively address these issues?
  9. Urgency of Action: Considering Hill’s observations on the trajectory of Russia and her warnings for the U.S., discuss the importance of urgency in addressing societal issues.
  10. Reflection on Testimony: How does Hill’s testimony during President Trump’s impeachment inquiry fit into the broader narrative of the book? How does it exemplify her warnings and insights about the state of American democracy?
  11. Role of Education: How does Hill’s emphasis on education tie into the book’s broader themes of opportunity and societal growth?
  12. Forward Path: Hill provides solutions and hopes for a brighter future. Which of her proposed solutions do you think are most feasible, and why?
  13. Global Implications: While the book primarily focuses on the U.S. and Russia, how do its themes resonate with global trends and challenges in the 21st century?
  14. Personal Reflection: After reading the book, how do you reflect on the state of opportunity in your own community or country? Are there parallels or contrasts to Hill’s observations?
  15. Legacy of the Book: What message or lesson do you think will be the lasting legacy of “There Is Nothing For You Here” for future readers?