The cult of the strongman allowed Mussolini to lead the hyper-nationalistic, one-party state in Italy with the adoption of repressive and oppressive measures against perceived enemies of the state. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, professor of history and Italian studies at NYU, joins host Tony Castañeda and the Thursday morning 8 O’Clock Buzz, to discuss the roots of fascism and how Don Trump’s recent speech at the CPAC conference echoed the game plan carried out by Mussolini. Professor Ben-Ghiat points out that current strongmen types such as Putin, Berlusconi, Netanyahu, Bolsonaro and Trump are a real danger to democracy.

Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate here