How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them

Stanley’s first chapter discusses what he calls the “mythic past,” which is an idyllic vision of a past time. Describe the relationship that the mythic past is likely to have with any specific point in history, and then explain its likely relationship to the policy goals that the fascist politicians pursue once taking power. Given your responses, how would you expect that the mythic past functions to attract or repel constituents to support a fascist political group in a democratic contest?

Pick any two of the numbered chapters in the book and identify the main topic of each in one sentence per chapter. Then, explain how the topics of the two chapters interact to reinforce each other, or why you think they do not. Using two of Stanley’s examples from each chapter, briefly explain how each is strengthened, weakened, or otherwise affected by the dynamics discussed in the other chapter.

What does Stanley mean by “unreality” and how does he suggest we might recognize it if it were developing around us? Do you see any of these indications emerging in the current moment where you live?

Stanley suggests that “normalizing” fascist politics is very dangerous, and that doing so will necessarily make the word “fascist” sound like an extreme label no matter how accurate. What does Stanley recommend to recognize and be able to resist an encroaching fascist ideology? What additional suggestions would you offer?

Stanley draws examples from a wide set of cultures and across a long span of time. Do you detect significant differences in the examples he cites as “fascist politics” based on culture or the time period in which the event occurred? Does your answer determine whether you believe that Stanley describes universal political phenomena? 

In several places, Stanley highlights technology in the service of fascist propaganda. He does not, however, analyze the role technology plays in popularizing or combating the fascist politics he describes. Identify three ways in which technological advances, such as the internet, may serve to promote or limit fascist goals. How might technology make it more or less likely that fascist politicians will take power or retain power? What other considerations may moderate or enhance technology’s influence in this respect?

In the Epilogue, Stanley highlights major global challenges, including climate change and the economic impacts of globalization. Explain why Stanley believes these types of challenges are relevant to fascist politics. Then, choose one significant global challenge and discuss the ways in which it may interact with a democratic society under threat by a fascist political group. Further, how would you expect countries ruled by fascist ideology to interact with other countries to address global challenges such as climate change? Would their actions likely be different on economy-focused issues such as trade agreements?

Stanley discusses what he calls “fascist politics.” Do you agree that the term “fascist” should be applied to political groups that engage in the types of political thinking or action that he describes? Why or why not? What, in your view, is essential to characterize a political ideology or movement as “fascist?”