Strongmen and the Assault on Democracy and Truth: Is It Time to Use the F-Word? | May 2, 2024

Strongmen and the Assault on Democracy and Truth: Is It Time to Use the F-Word? with Ruth Ben-Ghiat
The global rise of authoritarianism and anti-democratic efforts in the United States have prompted many to use the f-word - “fascism” - to characterize our current moment. In what ways does the political ideology of fascism capture or misrepresent what’s happening in political life today? In particular, how do strongmen and authoritarian movements rely upon lies, violence and a false construction of reality to further their goals? Join us for this moderated conversation with Ruth Ben-Ghiat, historian, commentator and author.
The Recovering Truth: Religion, Journalism and Democracy in a Post-Truth Era project is supported by a generous grant from the Henry Luce Foundation’s Program in Theology.
About the speaker:
Ruth Ben-Ghiat is Professor of History and Italian Studies at New York University. She writes about fascism, authoritarianism, propaganda and democracy protection. She is the recipient of Guggenheim and other fellowships, an advisor to Protect Democracy and an MSNBC opinion columnist. She appears frequently on MSNBC and other networks. She publishes Lucid, a Substack newsletter on threats to democracy in the U.S. and abroad. Her latest book, “Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present,” examines how illiberal leaders use corruption, violence, propaganda and machismo to stay in power and how resistance to them has unfolded over a century. She is a consultant for television and film productions, including Guillermo del Toro’s Academy Award-winning 2022 movie “Pinocchio,” which is set in Fascist Italy. She also advises civil society organizations that pursue democracy protection, and businesses and organizations that face challenges from autocratic interference around the world.

[@UrbaNSpiel]

This should have more views. Thanks Ruth. VOTE BLUE

[@jmontarsi]

Excellent discussion, good questions and very informative. Highly recommend watching this! 👍👍

[@kimwashburn2577]

This needs to be shared because it was so important and informative. I feel like I may be able to communicate with my mom about what is happening. Thank you so much for the great advice.

[@Soubhik12345.]

More science education is needed 💙💙💙 Democracy is so precious.

[@renee-mariekrugkrug3989]

A very productive discussion, thank you it has answered many questions and some confusion on what is happening to us and the world. These newly self styled forms of competition for the hearts and minds of the voter has been a help. ASU and NYU keep up the good work.

[@yvonne2965]

I can’t believe that I am the first comment after 2 months 😱..Thank You Professor Ben- Ghiat, you are completely demystifying the Cult of Personality which is Donald Trump .. Knowledge is indeed power .. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽.. Now let’s go Vote for the survival of our Democracy 🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊

[@bernardweinbaum8236]

Ruth Ben-Ghiat is the only voice that Biden needs to listen to from this point on.

[@christinesmith1499]

Center Conservatives in America need to form a new party, no doubt about it.

[@50-50_Grind]

Vote!

[@tanyawilliams8254]

Way past time in my opinion 💙 Vote Blue America 🇺🇸

[@otto8049]

In America today, studying fascism is required reading. During the time of Trump it is a growth industry.

[@davidwilkie9551]

Not my culture.