In “How Fascism Works”, Jason Stanley, a renowned philosopher, explores the alarming resurgence of fascist politics in contemporary society. Stanley identifies ten pillars of fascist politics that history’s most notorious dictators have used to gain and maintain power. These include the mythic past, propaganda, anti-intellectualism, unreality, hierarchy, victimhood, law and order, sexual anxiety, appeals to the heartland, and dismantling of public welfare and unity. Stanley meticulously dissects each pillar, providing historical context and examples from around the world. He argues that understanding these strategies is crucial to resist their harmful influence. Stanley also warns that the normalization of fascist politics is happening today, not only in far-right movements but also in mainstream political discourse. He emphasizes that the failure to recognize and confront these tactics can lead to the erosion of democratic institutions and values. This book is a call to action, urging readers to challenge and resist the fascist politics threatening our society.
How Fascism Works
Fascism is a political ideology that seeks to create a unified national identity through the use of authoritarianism, militarism, and a strong leader. It is a form of totalitarianism that seeks to control all aspects of society, including the economy, culture, and media. Stanley examines how fascism works and how it has been used in the past to gain and maintain power.
