Countering the Threat of Wannabe Fascists with Federico Finchelstein

Host Sanjay Ruparelia speaks with Federico Finchelstein about the history of fascism and the growing threat authoritarian politics pose to democracy today. Drawing on his latest book, The Wannabe Fascists, Finchelstein examines the pillars of fascism while exploring how elements of these movements continue to shape contemporary political leaders around the world. Their conversation traces the relationship between fascism and populism, the erosion of democratic norms, and why modern “wannabe fascists” represent a serious challenge to democratic values in the 21st century.

Host: Sanjay Ruparelia, Jarislowsky Democracy Chair and Associate Professor of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Guest: Federico Finchelstein is the University in Exile Research Professor at The New School, where he teaches History and directs the Janey Program in Latin American Studies. He is the author of numerous books on fascism, populism, and authoritarianism, including his latest: The Wannabe Fascists: A Guide to Understanding the Greatest Threat to Democracy.