Ruth Ben-Ghiat is Professor of History and Italian Studies at New York University. She writes on authoritarian leaders, fascism, and propaganda. A regular contributor to CNN and other news and analysis sites, she appears frequently on radio, podcasts, and television and is quoted in news stories around the world on threats to democracy and how to counter them. Her latest book, Strongmen: From Mussolini to the Present, will be published by W.W. Norton & Company in March 2021.
Image @Photo12/Ann Ronan Picture Library/agefotostock
UPCOMING BOOK
Strongmen: From Mussolini to the Present
Ours
is the age of the strongman, of heads of state who damage or destroy democracy
use masculinity as a tool of political legitimacy, and promise law and order
rule - and then legitimize lawless
behavior by financial, sexual, and other predators. Covering a century of
tyranny, this book examines how
authoritarians use propaganda, virility, corruption, and violence to stay in
power, and how they can be opposed.
Forthcoming from W.W. Norton & Company in March 2021
Interviews & Appearances
Don Lemon CNN Tonight Interview
ABC News Briefing Room Interview
All in with Chris Hayes, MSNBC
FEATURED ESSAY
COVID-19 Tempts Would-Be Authoritarians
Foreign Affairs, May 5, 2020
The novel coronavirus pandemic poses a stress test for societies – wrenching people out of ordinary routines and exposing them to death and dislocation, bringing forth acts of solidarity and courage as well as scapegoating.
FEATURED INTERVIEWS
“How do Trump’s behaviors continue authoritarian traditions?”
Slate Trumpcast, December 21, 2019
Featured Essay
COVID-19 Tempts Would-Be Authoritarians
Foreign Affairs, May 5, 2020
The novel coronavirus pandemic poses a stress test for societies – wrenching people out of ordinary routines and exposing them to death and dislocation, bringing forth acts of solidarity and courage as well as scapegoating.
Featured Interviews
“How do Trump’s behaviors continue authoritarian traditions?”
Slate Trumpcast, December 21, 2019
UPCOMING EVENTS
- PEN World Voices Festival: Journalists as Hate Object: Populism, Authoritarianism and the Free Press,” June 8, 2020,5-6:30EST. Livestream panel with Jay Rosen, Jason Stanley, and Klaus Brinkbäumer.
- Due to Covid-19, all in-person conference and speaking events have been cancelled or postponed.
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Upcoming Events
- PEN World Voices Festival: Journalists as Hate Object: Populism, Authoritarianism and the Free Press,” June 8, 2020,5-6:30EST. Livestream panel with Jay Rosen, Jason Stanley, and Klaus Brinkbäumer.
- Due to Covid-19, all in-person conference and speaking events have been cancelled or postponed.
