Fascism: A Warning is a book released in 2018. It was written by former United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who not only has an extensive knowledge of the political landscape but also has a unique personal perspective on some of the issues discussed. In the book, Albright takes a deep dive into the history of fascism, why it rose to power, and most importantly, its implications for the present day.
Albright begins with a look at history, focusing on the ascendance of fascism in the first half of the twentieth century and the subsequent reign of terror it brought with it. She outlines the major hallmarks of fascist regimes: extreme nationalism, disregard for universal human rights, and an obsession with control. Albright notes that these regimes often come to power by appealing to the people’s sense of fear and insecurities, which is why she sees echoes of this approach in the contemporary era.
The book also delves into the modern political landscape, most notably Donald Trump’s brand of populism. Albright explains how this phenomenon shares many features with classic fascism, in terms of its promotion of a strongman leader and its use of fearmongering tactics. She attempts to explain Trump’s extraordinary success in rallying people to his cause, in particular by building off the resentment and anger created by decades of neoliberal economic policies. Albright also takes a look at other leaders whom she believes can have a fascist bent, such as Vladimir Putin, and considers the implications of their actions.
In addition to this assessment of present-day politics, Albright also considers fascism’s potential in the future. She warns that if fascism continues to gain momentum unabated, then the consequences could be grave. Albright devotes a chapter to a discussion of the importance of confronting fascism and maintaining a commitment to democracy. She doesn’t let the reader off the hook either, stressing the importance of everyone engaging in the political process and speaking out against those who traffic in hatred.
In all, Fascism: A Warning is an eye-opening account of the history and current state of fascism, and its implications for the future. Albright combines her expertise in foreign policy and international relations with her own experiences to deliver a powerful message about the dangers of fascism and the importance of preserving democracy. The book serves as a cautionary tale about how easy it can be for authoritarian regimes to come to power and the urgent need for vigilance in order to prevent it from happening. With her penetrating analysis and sharp insight, Albright reminds readers of the gravity of the situation and leaves no doubt that an aware and active populace is the best defense against the rise of totalitarianism.
