In the strikingly relevant book How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them, acclaimed Yale philosopher Jason Stanley provides an urgent examination of the rise of fascist politics in contemporary society. With the world witnessing a surge in authoritarianism, this book serves as a critical guide, identifying the ten pillars of fascist politics that are crucial to understanding the current political landscape.
Jason Stanley, drawing from his background as a philosopher and the son of WWII refugees, weaves together a narrative that highlights how democratic societies can become targets of fascism. Through incisive analysis and compelling examples, he explores how themes such as an appeal to the mythic past, propaganda, and anti-intellectualism contribute to the erosion of democracy.
The ten pillars include concepts such as hierarchy, victimhood, and the infamous "us vs. them" mentality that politicians exploit to divide societies. Stanley's work explicates the tactics that right-wing politicians employ to dismantle public goods and undermine democratic ideals.
Each pillar is illustrated with reflections on history, philosophy, and sociology, alongside stories from various nations experiencing democratic backsliding, including Hungary, Poland, India, and even the United States. Stanley's arguments serve as a somber reminder of how easily rhetoric and myth can morph into policy and reality.
In recognizing these patterns, Stanley provides a roadmap for resistance, aiming to arm readers with the knowledge necessary to combat the most harmful effects of fascist rhetoric. This bestselling title is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand and critically engage with the political forces at play in our societies today.
With overwhelming urgency and clarity, How Fascism Works is positioned as an essential read for our times, resonating with the experiences and fears of the present moment.
