The Wannabe Fascists

"With The wannabe fascists, historian Federico Finchelstein offers a precise explanation of why Trumpism and similar movements across the world belong to a new political breed, the last outcome of the combined histories of racism and populism: the wannabe fascists. This new type of populist politician is typically a legally elected leader who, unlike previous populists who were eager to distance themselves from fascism, turns to totalitarian lies, racism, and illegal means to destroy democracy from within. Drawing on almost three decades of research on the histories of fascism and populism around the world, this book lays out in clear language what hte author calls the 'four pillars of fascism'--xenophobia, propaganda, political violence, and ultimately dictatorship. Finchelstein carefully explains how and why wannabe fascists like Trump, Bolsonaro, and Modi embrace the first three pillars but don't quite succeed in dictatorship and total suppression of the popular vote. The wannabe fascists stresses the importance of preventing despots from reaching this tipping point and offers a clear warning for what's at stake. This book is now revised throughout and expanded to address…

The cheapest new copy of The Wannabe Fascists is £20.00 at Waterstones. Prices checked 11 Nov 2026

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