Ruth Ben-Ghiat: Understanding autocracy

The subject of autocracy is on the minds of many. We often hear about an existential threat to our democracy in the United States. But is fascism truly possible in America?

Ruth Ben-Ghiat is a professor of history and Italian studies at New York University. She writes about fascism, authoritarianism, propaganda and democracy protection. Her most recent book, “Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present,” explores what modern authoritarian leaders have in common and how they can be stopped. She joined NY1’s Errol Louis before a live audience at Temple Emanuel of Great Neck, New York, to discuss the book, her thoughts on how dictators rise to power and what she feels are effective weapons against strongmen.

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