Book Summary and Reviews of Fascism by Madeleine Albright

Book Summary

A personal and urgent examination of Fascism in the twentieth century and how its legacy shapes today's world, written by one of the most admired public servants in American history, the first woman to serve as U.S. secretary of state.

A Fascist, observed Madeleine Albright, "is someone who claims to speak for a whole nation or group, is utterly unconcerned with the rights of others, and is willing to use violence and whatever other means are necessary to achieve the goals he or she might have." 

The twentieth century was defined by the clash between democracy and Fascism, a struggle against authoritarianism that created uncertainty about the survival of human freedom and left millions dead. Given the horrors of that experience, one might expect the world to reject the spiritual successors to Hitler and Mussolini should they arise in our era. Fascism: A Warning is drawn from Madeleine Albright's experiences as a child in war-torn Europe and her distinguished career as a diplomat to question that assumption.

Fascism, as she shows, not only endured through the twentieth century but now presents a more virulent threat to peace and justice than at any time since the end of World War II. The momentum toward democracy that swept the world when the Berlin Wall fell has gone into reverse, a trend Albright explores through her deep understanding of international relations. The United States, which historically championed the free world, is led by a president who exacerbates division and heaps scorn on democratic institutions. In many countries, economic, technological, and cultural factors are weakening the political center and empowering the extremes of right and left. Contemporary leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un are employing many of the tactics used by Fascists in the 1920s and 30s.

Fascism: A Warning is a book for our times that is relevant to all times. Written by someone who not only studied history but helped to shape it, this call to arms teaches us the lessons from 20th century history we must understand and the questions we must answer if we are to save ourselves from repeating the tragic errors of the past.

Drawing on both her experiences as a child in war-torn Europe and her distinguished career in foreign policy, Secretary Albright offers crucial insights into this urgent threat:

A Historical Perspective: Explore the rise of Fascism in the 20th century, from Mussolini's Italy to Hitler's Germany, and understand the devastating clash with democracy that defined the era.

The Authoritarian Playbook: Learn the tactics employed by Fascists of the 1920s and 30s and see how contemporary leaders like Vladimir Putin are using the same strategies to consolidate power today.

A Warning for Today: Confront the lessons from the past we must understand to counter the modern reversal of democratic momentum and save ourselves from repeating tragic errors.