Erasing History

De: Jason Stanley

Narrado por: Dion Graham

From the bestselling author of How Fascism Works, a global call to action that tells us “why the past is a frontline in the struggle for a future free of fascism” (Jeff Sharlet, New York Times bestselling author) as it reveals the far right’s efforts to rewrite history and undo a century of progress on race, gender, sexuality, and class.

In the United States, democracy is under attack by an authoritarian movement that has found fertile ground among the country’s conservative politicians and voters, but similar movements have found homes in the hearts and minds of people around the globe. To understand the shape, form, and stakes of this assault, we must go back to extract lessons from our past.

In authoritarian countries, critical examination of those nations’ history and traditions is discouraged if not an outright danger to those who do it. And it is no accident that local and global institutions of education have become a battleground, where learning and efforts to upend a hierarchal status quo can be put to end by coercion and threats of violence. Democracies entrust schools and universities to preserve a common memory of positive change, generated by protests, social movements, and rebellions. The authoritarian right must erase this history, and, along with it, the very practice of critical inquiry that has so often been the engine of future progress.

In Erasing History, Yale professor of philosophy Jason Stanley exposes the true danger of the authoritarian right’s attacks on education, identifies their key tactics and funders, and traces their intellectual roots. He illustrates how fears of a fascist future have metastasized, from hypothetical threat to present reality. And with his “urgent, piercing, and altogether brilliant” (Johnathan M. Metzl, author of What We’ve Become) insight, he illustrates that hearts and minds are won in our schools and universities—places that democratic societies across the world are now ill-prepared to defend against the fascist assault currently underway.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Dion Graham thoughtfully performs this companion to HOW FASCISM WORKS, unpacking how authoritarians erase history by omission, frame it in terms that suit them, and effectively divide citizens into “us and them.” His warm baritone sets the listener at ease so they can process the many ways our society is being programmed to accept autocracy through such actions as instituting book bans, eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and cutting funding for education. He passionately delivers a history of colonialism, nationalism, exceptionalism, supremacism, and fascism with examples that parallel what’s going on today and then shares how anti-education, classical education, and revising history dehumanize others. Graham channels hope and encouragement as he expresses the importance of reclaiming history with compassion and closes with a call to action to fight fascism."

February 2025 - this book feels like I just watched it all happen in the last 30 days

As an American, in 2025, I can look back and say I saw all of these things take place - specifically in my state.

A Chilling and Necessary Examination of Historical Manipulation

Jason Stanley’s Erasing History is an urgent, illuminating exploration of how fascist regimes manipulate and rewrite the past to seize control of the future. As someone deeply interested in the relationship between history and power, this book provided me with both a historical perspective and a chillingly contemporary lens through which to view current events.

Stanley masterfully dissects how fascist movements, both past and present, systematically distort historical narratives to promote nationalist agendas, erase inconvenient truths, and foster an “us vs. them” mentality. He traces these tactics from the rise of fascism in the early 20th century to the increasingly bold revisionism we see in today’s global politics. It’s a disturbing reminder of how fragile truth can be, particularly in an era of fake news, manipulated media, and divisive rhetoric.

What stood out most to me is how Stanley connects these historical manipulations to modern-day issues, making this book not just about the past but about the present and future. The use of technology and social media to spread disinformation is especially relevant, and Stanley does a fantastic job highlighting the dangers we face if we don’t actively guard against the rewriting of our shared histories.

I appreciated the clear, accessible writing and Stanley’s ability to make complex political and historical analysis digestible for a broad audience. Whether you’re a scholar of history, a casual reader, or someone concerned about the rise of authoritarianism, this book will open your eyes to the crucial importance of preserving historical truth.

If you care about the future of democracy, public memory, and the role history plays in shaping our identities, Erasing History is essential reading. Jason Stanley has delivered a thought-provoking, powerful call to action—one that feels more urgent than ever.

Educational

The book is so helpful in educating us with historical facts as to what can happen when we become complacent/ignorant/uncaring of the ability of a group to undermine our democratic principles that are just less than 250 years old.

Thought-provoking

I learned a lot about the histories of peoples that I was unaware of. Cemented my concerns about the right wing destruction of our own history. And enjoyable listen.

Incredibly relevant and historically rich

Add this to your reading list immediately — whether you’re well-versed in the topic or entirely new and curious, all audiences will find value in this piece. Thank you Jason, expect an email with my praises shortly.