Spencer Di Scala’s new book appeared on July 31, 2023. Mussolini and the Rise of Populism: The Man Who Made Fascism (Routledge) analyzes the Duce’s fascism with contemporary populism in mind. Populism of the right was at the heart of historical fascism, and populism’s current ascent resembles the rise of fascism in many crucial ways. Di Scala compares Mussolini and Donald J. Trump and other populist leaders. Di Scala likens Mussolini’s tactics in seizing power to those of Trump and his followers, taking into due consideration the passage of time and the development of modern society. The book demonstrates in a concrete manner how modern populism is destined to follow the course of fascism of the kind we are familiar with—its antecedents, rise, and radicalization. Trump may not yet have developed into a Fascist, but Di Scala writes: “fascism is a dynamic movement that in its latest shape, called populism, has adapted at least to the forms of liberal democracy, but may develop into something as dangerous as its historical predecessors.”
This volume is essential reading for everyone. Read the review.