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jon3535's review
4.0
Disclaimer: Although not my typical choice, I was compelled to delve into this novel amidst escalating political tensions and widening societal divides. Written by the late Albright, a former United States Secretary of State and esteemed university professor, this book stands as a remarkable piece of historical non-fiction—a testament to her lifelong dedication and passions.
Albright's narrative skillfully unravels the intricate workings of fascist movements throughout history, offering profound insights that transcend mere academic discourse. In a single read, I gleaned more about the origins and manifestations of fascism than in decades of education. I found myself highlighting so many passages, here are just a few that I felt compelled to share:
-“In a true democracy, leaders report the will of the majority but also the rights of the minority - one without the other is not enough.”
-“The wise response to intolerance is not more intolerance or self-righteousness; it is a coming together across the ideological spectrum of people who want to make democracies more effective.”
-“what makes a movement Fascist is not caroling but the willingness to do whatever necessary - including the use of force and trampling on the rights of others - to achieve victory and command obedience.”
Spanning continents and epochs, the book subtly draws parallels to contemporary politics, particularly within the United States. Albright astutely identifies and dissects the ominous warning signs of leaders who undermine democratic principles—a reflection that resonated deeply, even across borders. Personally, I couldn't help but detect echoes of such tendencies within the leadership of my own province, Alberta, Canada.
As we navigate through increasingly polarized landscapes, Albright's work serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of democracy. It urges us to remain vigilant, to recognize the subtle shifts in rhetoric and policy that pave the path towards authoritarianism. In safeguarding our democratic institutions, we fortify against encroaching fascism.
Albright's narrative skillfully unravels the intricate workings of fascist movements throughout history, offering profound insights that transcend mere academic discourse. In a single read, I gleaned more about the origins and manifestations of fascism than in decades of education. I found myself highlighting so many passages, here are just a few that I felt compelled to share:
-“In a true democracy, leaders report the will of the majority but also the rights of the minority - one without the other is not enough.”
-“The wise response to intolerance is not more intolerance or self-righteousness; it is a coming together across the ideological spectrum of people who want to make democracies more effective.”
-“what makes a movement Fascist is not caroling but the willingness to do whatever necessary - including the use of force and trampling on the rights of others - to achieve victory and command obedience.”
Spanning continents and epochs, the book subtly draws parallels to contemporary politics, particularly within the United States. Albright astutely identifies and dissects the ominous warning signs of leaders who undermine democratic principles—a reflection that resonated deeply, even across borders. Personally, I couldn't help but detect echoes of such tendencies within the leadership of my own province, Alberta, Canada.
As we navigate through increasingly polarized landscapes, Albright's work serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of democracy. It urges us to remain vigilant, to recognize the subtle shifts in rhetoric and policy that pave the path towards authoritarianism. In safeguarding our democratic institutions, we fortify against encroaching fascism.
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Book on CD read by the author
From the book jacket: The twentieth century was defined by the clash between democracy and Fascism, a struggle that created uncertainty about the survival of human freedom and left millions of innocent people dead. Given the horrors of that experience, one might expect the world to reject the spiritual successors to Hitler and Mussolini should they arise in our era. Albright draws on her own experiences as a child in war-torn Europe and her career as a diplomat to question that very assumption.
My reactions:
It’s said that those who refuse to study history are doomed to repeat it. I’ve studied some history, and yet I found much new information in this relatively slim volume.
Albright clearly, methodically and logically lays out the foundations to bring understanding of Fascism. She cites numerous examples, using not only right-wing but left-wing and centrist ideologies to illustrate the concepts and realities. The great takeaway for me was the way in which small, incremental changes to policy which are easily tolerated (even when not fully agreed with), add up and result in citizens finding themselves in a society they hardly recognize and with limited ability to return to an earlier model.
Albright narrated the audiobook herself. Her diction is clear and she sets a nice pace, giving the listener time to absorb concepts. However, I did sometimes repeat a track to ensure that I had fully understood. I think this book is probably best absorbed in a text format.
From the book jacket: The twentieth century was defined by the clash between democracy and Fascism, a struggle that created uncertainty about the survival of human freedom and left millions of innocent people dead. Given the horrors of that experience, one might expect the world to reject the spiritual successors to Hitler and Mussolini should they arise in our era. Albright draws on her own experiences as a child in war-torn Europe and her career as a diplomat to question that very assumption.
My reactions:
It’s said that those who refuse to study history are doomed to repeat it. I’ve studied some history, and yet I found much new information in this relatively slim volume.
Albright clearly, methodically and logically lays out the foundations to bring understanding of Fascism. She cites numerous examples, using not only right-wing but left-wing and centrist ideologies to illustrate the concepts and realities. The great takeaway for me was the way in which small, incremental changes to policy which are easily tolerated (even when not fully agreed with), add up and result in citizens finding themselves in a society they hardly recognize and with limited ability to return to an earlier model.
Albright narrated the audiobook herself. Her diction is clear and she sets a nice pace, giving the listener time to absorb concepts. However, I did sometimes repeat a track to ensure that I had fully understood. I think this book is probably best absorbed in a text format.
rebeccazh's review against another edition
3.0
This novel isn't what I expected. I was expecting a book organized around the concept of fascism itself, but the author divided the book into chapters, with each chapter focusing on a personality and a quick, readable overview of the individual's rise to power amidst the historical backdrop of the time. I consider this to be a casual, 'pop history' introduction to fascists throughout history. It was interesting to learn about the personal histories of Mussolini, Hitler, etc. I found the later chapters to be less engaging especially when she was in praise of the US's foreign policy.
radiatorpasta's review
challenging
dark
informative
sad
slow-paced
2.5
fine but (after the first 2 chapters) too many names names names and dates dates dates in big blocks which turned off my brain. author seems very preoccupied with making sure we all know presidents come to her birthday parties, how dictators don't dare be rude to her, how she's been a very important decision maker, etc.
thesauraz's review
5.0
Madeleine Albright offers disturbing accounts of patterns of facism past and present while making history palatable for the reader. Though it’s full of valuable information — and sounds the alarm bells on our current national and global political environment — it reads more like stories and less like a textbook. I appreciate this style, as I certainly learn better this way. The book is both reflective and potentially prescient depending on our collective efforts to embrace democracy and liberal values.
tiarala's review
5.0
I'm glad I started my fascism research with some books written post WWII but long before the 2016 election, because otherwise I would think Albright forced such blatant parallels between 45 and the long line of fascist dictators. It might have seemed heavy-handed before, but having recently read the same language used in other, older references, the connections are simply that clear. She calls this book a warning, and she's right. As one of her students states when she asks "could this happen here?" Of course it can. Because so many are convinced it cannot. Outstanding book, an easily accessible and engaging read.
kristyhill's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0