| Journal of Social and Policy Sciences |
J-SAPS |
Book Review:
How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them
Fascism is often linked with Italian and German Nazi regimes. Jason Stanley in ‘How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them’ discusses fascism and its recent global emergence. As the title suggests, author focuses on fascist politics instead of fascist states and outlines the elements employed in fascist politics and tactics used to achieve power. Stanley, unlike others, untangles fascism roots from its historical period as an ‘ideology’ not unique to 20th century European settings and does not associate its origins with Hitler and Mussolini’s regimes. Author uncovers the elements of fascism existed in early19th century in the form of American immigrant laws against the Jews, nonwhites, and its overall treatment towards the Black population. The Confederacy and Jim Crow laws, Stanley reveals, had influenced Hitler to design his own discriminatory laws against the Jews in Germany. Similarly, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Hindutva movements, inspired by Hitler’s ideology, underlined that fascist movements in these countries inspire and influence ultra-nationalists in other parts of the world. The book creates a link with contemporary times in order to aware the readers of the waves in which these elements are gaining traction. Just as every movement in one part of the world helps to reinforce the influence in another, likewise these fascist elements, as identified by Stanley, build upon and sustain each other. Each element feeds the other into an inextricable feedback loop. Particularly, by showing how the divisively and dangerously the politics of fascism is hovering over contemporary political environment, such as in Hungary, India and Myanmar, author urges the readers to recognize fascism and fight against this illiberal tide before it is too late.
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