In a riveting discussion, Yale professor Jason Stanley, an expert in fascism and political philosophy, dives deep into the troubling rise of fascism in America. He illustrates how the January 6th Capitol riot reflects the fragility of democracy, emphasizing the role of propaganda in shaping political narratives. Stanley highlights the dangers of nostalgia and how it fuels extremist sentiments. He also critiques Donald Trump, arguing that his antics serve as a distraction from serious issues, while stressing the need to confront systemic inequalities to protect democratic values.
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insights INSIGHT
Fascism Defined
Fascism is a cult of the leader who promises national restoration.
It exploits anxieties by focusing on minorities, immigrants, and leftists as threats.
insights INSIGHT
Fascist Solutions
Fascism targets the dominant group’s anxieties, making minorities a scapegoat.
Fascist leaders promise to suppress minorities and restore the dominant group’s status.
insights INSIGHT
The Role of Nostalgia
Nostalgia is central to fascism, exploiting feelings of a lost glorious past.
This nostalgia creates a perpetual state of disappointment, fueling resentment.
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No detailed information available about this book. Anders Aslund is known for his work on Russian economics and politics.
How propaganda works
Jason Stanley
Dying of Whiteness
How the Politics of Racial Resentment Is Killing America's Heartland
Jonathan Metzl
In 'Dying of Whiteness,' Jonathan M. Metzl explores the unintended public health consequences of right-wing backlash policies related to taxes, gun control, social safety nets, and healthcare. Through field interviews, research, and public-health data gathered in Missouri, Tennessee, and Kansas, Metzl shows how these policies, despite being marketed to benefit white Americans, actually increase deaths by gun suicide, lower life expectancies, and raise dropout rates. The book highlights the paradox of whiteness, where the pursuit of white privilege leads to detrimental health outcomes for both white and non-white populations.
How Fascism Works
The Politics of Us and Them
Jason Stanley
In this book, Jason Stanley identifies and analyzes the ten pillars of fascist politics, which include exploiting a mythic version of a nation’s past, using propaganda to twist democratic ideals, promoting anti-intellectualism, and implementing law and order policies that target minority groups. Stanley draws on historical and contemporary examples from various countries, including the United States, Hungary, Poland, India, and Myanmar, to illustrate how these tactics create and reinforce divisions and make societies vulnerable to authoritarian leadership. The book emphasizes the importance of recognizing and resisting these fascist politics to protect democratic values.
Vox's Sean Illing talks to Yale professor and author Jason Stanley about why American democracy provides such fertile soil for fascism, how Donald Trump demonstrated how easy it was for our country to flirt with a fascist future and what we can do about it.
Correction (2/1/21): Professor Stanley suggested in this conversation that West Virginia declined to expand the Medicaid option in 2013. In fact, the state did expand the program and has gradually added enrollment since 2013.
Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), Interviews Writer, Vox
The Gray Area with Sean Illing 
