#1 New York Times Bestseller Best Books of 2018 –The EconomistA personal and urgent examination of Fascism in the twentieth century and how its legacy shapes today’s world, written by one of America’s most admired public servants, the first woman to serve as U.S. secretary of stateA Fascist, observes Madeleine Albright, “is someone who claims to speak for a whole nation or group, is utterly … 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 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. In Fascism: A Warning, Madeleine Albright draws on her 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. 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 has not only studied history but helped to shape it, this call to arms teaches us the lessons we must understand and the questions we must answer if we are to save ourselves from repeating the tragic errors of the past.
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I think this book, written by former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, is a must
read for every American in these perilous times. It is chilling to realize how many of our current events feed the establishment of Fascism in our own Country. It is seriously time to remember and stand for the principles of the Constitution & Bill of Rights. Our Government was deliberately designed to avoid any entity from getting absolute power in the knowledge that absolute power corrupts!
We have three branches of government so that they must find solutions through compromise as each branch stands independently for the protection of all. God
Bless America! From my perspective, failure to function effectively is a red flag warning that both major political parties are demanding extremes when they should be diligently seeking common ground.
It is a book all American should read as we are showing so many facets of Fascism that moved other countries away from democracy and more so our feeling for those less fortunate than our selves.
Excellent book. Should be required reading for all high school and college students as well as civics classes for their particular nation’s government.
Albright weaves her personal history with the history of the rise of fascism in Italy with Benito Mussolini and in Germany with Adolf Hitler in the early 20th century, then moves to more contemporary foreign affairs and dictators. She speaks from her own experience, while relating facts surrounding each fascist’s rise to power, and later drawing from her time as Secretary of State.
As she progresses through 20th century history, it is impossible not to draw comparisons between the fascist leaders she examines and our current POTUS. Especially noteworthy was the acknowledgement that it was Mussolini who first forged a campaign to “drenare la palude” (drain the swamp).
This is likely the most important book I will read this year (or shall I say this term?). As the philosopher George Santayana warned, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Proving that I agree, I have been recommending this book to everyone who tries to begin a “can you believe what’s happening?” discussion with me.
The author is a respected and knowledgeable statesperson. Starting off with her brief history and explaining how Hitler, Mussolini and other 20th century dictators talked their way into power and control. The last 2 1/2 chapters are frightening. She states examples and statements made by President Trump using the same methods of past fascists in getting a following. How he is demoralizing the country and terrying apart relationships with allies and chiming up with our enemies.
I found this book fascinating. Not only does Albright discuss the meaning and beginnings of fascism – complete with personal anecdotes – she also delves into failed and flawed democracies. Her knowledge and understanding of the governments around the world is staggering. I feel like I could read this book several times and pick up something new on each reading. However, despite the daunting amount of information contained in this book, it is an easy read. Unlike many history books, I rarely found myself needing to go back and reread a previous chapter in order to understand the current chapter. She does delve into the Trump administration, because how could she not, but holds off doing so until the end of the book. The thing is, her descriptions of what the other fascists through time have done are so reminiscent of what we are seeing today, that you’re already thinking about this administration before she brings it up. Then once she’s said her piece, she moves on to another topic. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will likely read it again soon.
This is the book to read about Fascism. Very informative. Albright leads you through the beginnings and explains everything along the way. Should be required reading in school. I think she is a very good writer.
A timely read by the incredible Madeleine Albright.
This is a good history that hits some very current, very frightening happenings. Too much of what she wrote about – a history – seems to be happening again.
This is both a history and a biography. I enjoyed that. (I like Madeline Albright. She’s a fascinating person.)
A timely book for the current times in which populism and fascism rear their ugly mugs across different geographies. Ms. Albright reminds us that in most cases autocrats rose while the people underestimated their nefarious intent and thought “it couldn’t happen here.”
Rare type of beast. Fake biography ( as most of politicians on Earth in last several centuries) is what many people even realise but consciously or unconsciously ignore… . Not to mention ,that she is a descendant of those nazis she mentions 24 7 . Such insolence,hate and ignorance is abnormal!
Brilliant!
A mustt read for those wanting to learn about government actions today. Madeline Albright is a feisty inspiration for all – and dead on with her assessments of the state of the world.
An important book to read in these times and a reminder that Fascism does not appear overnight. Gradual degradation of democratic norms is the birth process of dictatorship and loss of freedom. Madeline Albright writes beautifully and relates an engaging and informative history of this dangerous thread in our past and present.
I think very highly of this Lady. She read the audiobook which made it more enjoyable.
A must read for any thinking person.
Madeline Albright, who knows a thing or two about Fascism, has written an excellent explanation of just what it is and how to identify it. She points out how present day occurances signify a possible return to Fascism, not only in Central Europe but in Trump’s America as well. It is one of the best of the more recent political books.
The author explores how fascist movements have succeeded in the past and what fascism is. If you are worried about the future you have to understand the past.
An intelligent sharing of Madeline Albright s wisdom concerning today’s political climate and the evident danger it poses to our democracy The quote by Mussolini to drain the swamps was all to familiar
This should be required reading in every 9-th grade gov/hist/English class