As a professor of philosophy at Yale, a scholar of propaganda, and the child of World War II Jewish Refugees, Jason Stanley understands how democratic societies can be vulnerable to fascism. Alarmed by the pervasive rise of fascist tactics both at home and around the globe, Stanley set out to analyze the language and beliefs that separate people into an “us” and a “them.” In his new book, "How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them," Stanley knits together reflections on history, philosophy, sociology, and critical race theory with stories from contemporary Hungary, Poland, India, Myanmar, and the United States, among other nations.
In a fascinating First Person conversation, Stanley spoke with journalist Peter Beinart on April 1, 2019 at the Center for Jewish History about the ten pillars of fascist politics, the recurring patterns he sees, and how his own family history influences his world view today.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.