Ruth Ben-Ghiat

Archive: Coronavirus

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.

Looking for older essays and articles? Review the archive using the links below to view all essays on a particular topic.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat

Ruth Ben-Ghiat is a historian and political commentator on fascism, authoritarian leaders, and propaganda. Her latest book, Strongmen: From Mussolini to The Present, will be published by W.W. Norton & Company in November 2020. She is Professor of History and Italian Studies at New York University, and Advisor to Protect Democracy.