Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present

Ruth Ben-Ghiat’s Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present is a masterful examination of authoritarian leaders across the 20th and 21st centuries. Drawing on historical examples ranging from Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler to Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, Ben-Ghiat highlights the strategies, tactics, and traits that define strongman rule. It is a deeply compelling and cautionary book that lays bare the patterns of authoritarianism and its impact on democracy. One of the book’s most striking elements is its exploration of the parallels between past strongmen and Donald Trump. Ben-Ghiat doesn’t claim that Trump is identical to figures like Mussolini or Pinochet, but she does argue that his tactics and rhetoric share disturbing similarities with these leaders. This is not hyperbole—it is a well-documented case study supported by historical precedent. Parallels Between Trump and Past Strongmen Cult of Personality Like Mussolini and others, Trump built a loyal following through charisma, media manipulation, and the creation of a "cult of personality." His rallies, slogans, and insistence on loyalty mirror the ways strongmen of the past cultivated their image as indispensable leaders. Undermining Democratic Norms Trump’s repeated attacks on democratic institutions—questioning the legitimacy of elections, vilifying the press, and discrediting the judiciary—echo the strategies of leaders like Erdogan in Turkey and Berlusconi in Italy, who weakened institutional checks to consolidate power. Scapegoating Minorities The use of minorities as scapegoats is a hallmark of authoritarian rule. Trump’s rhetoric about immigrants, Muslims, and other groups aligns with the tactics of strongmen like Hitler and Mussolini, who fueled fear and division to galvanize their base. Normalization of Corruption Ben-Ghiat details how authoritarian leaders use power to enrich themselves and their allies. Trump’s administration faced numerous allegations of nepotism, self-dealing, and conflicts of interest—issues that are eerily reminiscent of corrupt strongman regimes. A Warning for Today The book issues a dire warning: authoritarianism doesn’t arrive overnight. It creeps in slowly, through attacks on norms, the erosion of freedoms, and the manipulation of truth. Ben-Ghiat provides concrete examples of the signs we should be noticing—attacks on free speech, the judiciary, and voting rights. Her analysis makes it clear that complacency is not an option. Yet, many fail to see or acknowledge these dangers. One of the book’s strengths is how it identifies why people might turn a blind eye—whether out of fear, misinformation, or the seductive promises of a "strong" leader. Ben-Ghiat’s work is a call to action to wake up, to pay attention, and to resist the normalization of authoritarian tactics. A Message of Hope While Strongmen is sobering, it also provides hope. Ben-Ghiat reminds us that strongmen are not invincible. Resistance movements, whistleblowers, journalists, and engaged citizens have historically played critical roles in toppling authoritarian regimes. The book emphasizes the power of collective action, solidarity, and the courage of individuals to stand up against oppression. Ben-Ghiat also stresses the importance of learning from history. Understanding how authoritarianism operates gives us the tools to recognize its warning signs and fight back. Her call to action is clear: stay informed, build bridges across divides, and support democratic institutions. Why You Should Read This Book Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present is not just a history book—it’s a blueprint for understanding the present and protecting the future. Ruth Ben-Ghiat’s meticulous research and powerful insights make this an essential read for anyone concerned about the state of democracy today. The book challenges readers to think critically about the parallels between past and present, to notice the things we might otherwise overlook, and to take action in defense of democratic values. It’s an uncomfortable but necessary read—one that demands reflection, conversation, and, ultimately, change.

A study of authoritarian figures, from Mussolini to Trump. We see the pattern repeating itself over and over again. How can people be so blind to it? Why do they follow these "leaders" so willingly, when everything about them screams stupidity, hatred, and danger? I will never understand.