Review "How fascism works: the politics of us and them"
In his book "How Fascism Works: the politics of us and them," Jason Stanley, the renowned American philosopher and professor at Yale University, analyzes the foundations of this political ideology. Reading the book sharpens awareness of right-wing rhetoric and illustrates the spread of right-wing ideas worldwide. This is a clear recommendation for anyone who cares about freedom and democracy!
About the Author
Jason Stanley is an American philosopher studying political science, ethics, and legal systems. He is a professor at Yale University and has published several books on politics and society.
"How Fascism Works: the politics of us and them" is one of his best-known works. Various institutions have recognized Jason Stanley's work. In 2018, he received the New Critics Award for this book.
Stanley's research focuses on the following topics:
- Political Science: He examines the mechanisms of political rule and the role of power in society.
- Ethics: Stanley analyzes ethical issues related to law, justice, and human rights.
- Legal Systems: He examines the structures and mechanisms of legal systems.
What is the book about?
Jason Stanley's book is a comprehensive explanation of fascism's foundations. The author analyzes the mechanisms of political rule and the role of power in society.
Stanley defines fascism as a form of political ideology in which the government is authoritarian and opposes the opposition. He emphasizes the importance of power in shaping political systems and argues that power is a means of exercising state authority and a social construct. Stanley further explains how fascists maintain their power:
- Mystical past replaces commonly shared historical understandings and legitimizes fascist ideas.
- Propaganda distorts accepted values.
- Promote anti-intellectualism by attacking universities and educational systems.
- Create unreality using fake news and conspiracy theories.
- Hierarchical classification of people according to their value through group differences – based on creating an "us and them" dynamic.
- Fuel victimization of the majority when minorities achieve social success.
- Demanding law and order from the masses because "we," the lawful citizens, are threatened by "them," the lawless criminals.
What's so great about that?
Stanley supports his theories with numerous examples from ancient and recent history. He uses quotes (e.g., Trump, Putin, Hitler) and references from propaganda material (e.g., Hitler's book "Mein Kampf"). He doesn't limit himself to Europe and America but examines the global issue. Overall, he paints an unmistakable picture and underscores that fascism is not a new threat to be overcome now, but rather an ongoing temptation that we must counter with sustained democratic commitment (see the best quote below).
What's annoying about that?
As I already emphasized in the Review: Saying Yes to Life Despite Everything, I find it frightening how this apparent shift to the right can spread worldwide on such a scale and be ignored by so many because they are not affected or involved. Thanks to the internet, it can't be a lack of access to knowledge. It's more likely a lack of education. And in the end, the question remains: What can—what must—I do? And the urgency of this question irritates me immensely!
The best quote
It's up to us to lead it (the fight against fascism) and to realize that it's not just about overcoming a specific moment but rather about creating a lasting commitment.
I chose this quote because it clarifies that we must stand up against the right-winged mindset permanently. Fascism is not a mere political ideology but a social concept that has gained incredible momentum thanks to social media and fake news, has never indeed disappeared, and has excellent power when social injustice prevails. War and climate catastrophe make it all the more difficult to resist!
What have I learned?
Stanley helped me understand why and how right-wing rhetoric works with his structured analysis. It also became clear that right-wing ideas are much more widespread than I thought. Be it the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar or religious fascism in India, to name just a few examples that aren't nearly as present in my mind as the AFD or Trump.
Stanley has sharpened my view of the world with my right eye. Stanley has filled my argumentative quiver for discussions about fake news, conspiracy theories, propaganda, law and order, and victimization. Perhaps I can provide a little more clarity when my children ask questions about how social Darwinists think and why so many people fall for right-wing rhetoric.
Why every freedom-loving person should read this book
Stanley's "How Fascism Works" is not only an analysis of fascism but also a warning against the dangers of anti-constitutionalism and conspiracy theories. The author analyzes various forms of fascism, including National Socialism, neo-fascism, and authoritarian regimes. He also explains how such regimes maintain their power and fight their opponents.
As a freedom-loving person, we must look and act. Ignorance makes us complicit. To recognize what we see, we need enlightenment. This book fulfills precisely this function. That's why books are so valuable and some of them get banned—as is happening now in America. In closing, I'd like to quote Stephen King on the Florida book ban in 2024:
I've said it before, and I'll repeat it: When books are banned from school libraries, run to your local public library or bookstore and read what your parents are trying to keep from you.
