Paperback, 288 pages
English language
Published April 30, 2019 by William Collins.
When the Cold War ended, many, including former secretary of state Madeleine Albright, believed that democracy had triumphed politically once and for all. Yet nearly thirty years later, a repressive and destructive force has begun to reemerge on the global stage that looks very much like fascism. Albright paints a clear picture of how fascism flourishes and explains why it is once again taking hold worldwide, identifying the factors contributing to its rise.
Very interesting book by Madeleine Albright. Should be read by many. Gives you an insight into what fascism is and how it evolves. Especially the chapters covering how the fascism evolved in Europe in the twenties/thirties but also how it once again is on the rise, both in Europe and elsewhere.
TL;DR it is quite possible, even easy, for a democracy to destroy itself through entirely democratic means. (This may not come as a complete surprise to you). Albright offers up example after example, from 1930s Europe through present-day Venezuela, Turkey, Hungary. She writes of court-packing, of lies and liars, of tinpots who offer entertainment instead of thoughtfulness and of the moronic masses who gobble it up. It is depressingly easy to slide into despotism.
I nearly abandoned it a third of the way through: the history is familiar to me, and her concern is one I already share. I kept going because I was enjoying the book. Albright is a great storyteller; she hooked me. I do not feel better informed from having read it, nor better prepared to fight fascism, but I enjoyed my reading experience and that’s perfectly okay.
Wow: what an interesting and informative book! I was aware of the talent of Mahlon Albright only in a sort of once removed position as a citizen of the country for which she was a fabulous Secretary of State. She has presented herself as a fabulous teacher, also.
She gave the whole background of the fascism and communism leading up to World War II. I had always known that communism was theoretically run by the "people", whereas "fascism" is headed by one person. It has finally become obvious to me that most modern day communism IS headed by one person, and is therefore fascist! But I digress.
Ms. Albright pointed out and clarified the workings of many current fascist leaders, and she indicated what kinds of problems they are running into and encouraging. The way she fits Donald Trump into the discussion is right on! Perhaps because I am in …
Wow: what an interesting and informative book! I was aware of the talent of Mahlon Albright only in a sort of once removed position as a citizen of the country for which she was a fabulous Secretary of State. She has presented herself as a fabulous teacher, also.
She gave the whole background of the fascism and communism leading up to World War II. I had always known that communism was theoretically run by the "people", whereas "fascism" is headed by one person. It has finally become obvious to me that most modern day communism IS headed by one person, and is therefore fascist! But I digress.
Ms. Albright pointed out and clarified the workings of many current fascist leaders, and she indicated what kinds of problems they are running into and encouraging. The way she fits Donald Trump into the discussion is right on! Perhaps because I am in total agreement with her analysis of and perception of our current administrative disaster, I truly appreciated this entire book.
