Guilty, Actually

In 'Liberal Fascism', Jonah Goldberg presents a controversial argument that fascist movements were and are rooted in left-wing ideologies. He contends that the original fascists, including Mussolini and Hitler, were on the left and that their policies and principles share similarities with those of modern liberal progressives. Goldberg explores how fascist elements, such as statism, eugenic racism, and the suppression of individual freedoms, have been present in various forms of liberal and progressive movements throughout history. The book challenges the mainstream view that fascism is exclusively a far-right ideology and argues that the totalitarian impulse is a common thread among these movements[1][4][5].

In 'Suicide of the West,' Jonah Goldberg argues that the principles of liberal democracy and capitalism, which he terms 'the Miracle,' are under threat from various forms of illiberalism. He contends that the West's prosperity and political stability are not inevitable but rather the result of unique historical and philosophical developments. Goldberg warns that complacency and the erosion of these principles due to partisanship, polarization, and identity politics could lead to democratic decline. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude for the achievements of Western civilization and the need to rediscover and uphold its founding ideals to prevent its downfall.

In 'Provoked: America's Role in the Russia-Ukraine War', Scott Horton and Darryl Cooper provide an analysis of how U.S. foreign policy decisions have influenced the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The book critiques U.S. meddling in international affairs, particularly in regions close to Russia, and argues that such actions have increased the risk of nuclear war and destabilized the region. The authors draw on their expertise in foreign policy and geopolitical analysis to present a critical view of U.S. involvement in the conflict.

In 'Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism,' Rachel Maddow explores the clandestine network that flooded the U.S. with disinformation aimed at undermining the war effort and promoting antisemitism and authoritarian rule during World War II. The book details the sophisticated and well-funded campaign to destroy citizens' confidence in their elected leaders and the heroic efforts of activists, journalists, and prosecutors who exposed and countered this plot. Maddow draws parallels between these historical events and the present day, emphasizing the recurring tactics of fascist and authoritarian movements[2][4][5].

In 'Regime Change: Toward a Postliberal Future', Patrick Deneen presents a vision for a postliberal society, critiquing the current liberal order for eroding traditional social structures such as family, religion, and local community. Deneen argues that classical liberalism has created a self-serving elite that benefits at the expense of the working class. He proposes a new elite aligned with the interests of the working class, advocating for a mixed regime that combines elements of aristocracy and democracy. The book builds on his previous work, 'Why Liberalism Failed', and suggests a strategic formation of a new elite devoted to 'pre-postmodern conservatism' and the common good, particularly attentive to the voice and status of the working class.

In this book, Robert Gellately argues that the Nazi movement was not just a product of Hitler's charisma, but rather it was deeply rooted in preexisting conditions within German society, including rabid nationalism, a right-wing form of socialism, and virulent antisemitism. Gellately shows how these ideologies, which were commonplace in Germany before the rise of Nazism, were systematically weaponized by Hitler to gain and maintain power. The book also explores how ordinary Germans, from various backgrounds, were drawn into the Nazi Party and how the regime made its ideology a dominant feature of everyday life in Germany[1][5][4].

This book is a compilation of Victor Klemperer's diaries, which chronicle his life during the Nazi era. The first volume covers the years 1933-1941 and details Klemperer's daily struggles, including the loss of his professorship, his house, and the increasing restrictions imposed on Jews. The second volume, covering 1942-1945, describes the intensification of Nazi persecution, forced labor, and the final days of the war. Klemperer's diaries offer a vivid and personal account of the horrors of the Holocaust and the everyday life of Jews under Nazi rule. His writings also reflect his observations on the language and propaganda of the Third Reich and the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by those living through this period[1][4][5].

In this book, Jonah Goldberg exposes and dismantles various liberal clichés that are often used to cheat in the war of ideas. He argues that liberals hide radical arguments in homespun aphorisms and deny having an ideological agenda while vigorously pursuing it. Goldberg examines several common clichés, such as 'the living constitution,' 'social justice,' and 'diversity is strength,' and reveals how these concepts are deeply ideological and often accepted uncritically. The book is written with humor and passion, aiming to show how these clichés shape our thinking and can lead to self-destruction.

This book provides a new perspective on the political career of Henry Wallace, FDR’s third-term vice president, and his influence on the making of US and Soviet foreign policy at the dawn of the Cold War. Based on new findings from Russian, FBI, and other archives, Steil paints a detailed picture of Wallace’s actions and their consequences, challenging previous heroic portrayals of Wallace and offering a more nuanced view of his role in shaping American and Soviet relations.