Episode 23: Strongmen: A lesson with Ruth Ben-Ghiat

Why do people believe liars? How do authoritarians enthrall a nation? Historian and Author Ruth Ben-Ghiat joins the Head and the Heart to discuss her book Strongmen: Mussolini To The Present. In this episode she offers her fascinating analysis of fascism and highlights the modern authoritarian leaders who exhibit these all too familiar tendencies. Ed & Perry examine the through line of corruption, violence, and toxic masculinity that are often characteristic of past and present authoritarian political leaders, and they attempt to find an answer as to why these men are often popular and beloved by their followers.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat is a historian who writes about authoritarianism, democracy, and propaganda. She is Professor of History and Italian Studies at New York University, the recipient of Guggenheim, Fulbright, and other fellowships, and Advisor to Protect Democracy. She is an MSNBC opinion columnist, a regular contributor to CNN and The Washington Post, and provides live commentary on CNN, MSNBC, and other networks.

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