Popular Press Books and Popular Media Articles on Fascism

Afary, Frieda. “What Is Fascism & How Can We Resist It in the U.S.?” New Politics, Winter, 2025. https://newpol.org/issue_post/what-is-fascism-and-how-can-we-resist-it-in-the-united-states/

• AI Summary: “In this article, Frieda Afary explores the nature of fascism, its historical and contemporary manifestations, and its specific dangers within the United States. Afary defines fascism as a far-right authoritarian political ideology characterized by nationalism, suppression of dissent, and the erosion of democratic institutions. The article emphasizes how economic inequality, social divisions, and political polarization create fertile ground for fascist movements. Afary also outlines strategies for resisting fascism, including grassroots organizing, coalition-building across diverse communities, and defending democratic principles. The piece calls for vigilance and proactive engagement to counter the rise of authoritarianism and protect social justice in the U.S.”

Chapeye, Artem. Ordinary People Don’t Carry Machine Guns: Thoughts on War. Translated by Zenia Tompkins. New York: Seven Stories Press, 2025.

• AI Summary: “Ukrainian novelist, reporter and soldier reveals the humanity of the Ukrainian struggle against Russian imperialist invasion and the ways in which millions have put their lives on the line in defense of human rights. Those who are standing up to authoritarianism and fascism in the U.S. can learn from the Ukrainians’ commitment, determination and sense of human solidarity.”

Darby, Seyward. 2020. Sisters in Hate: American Women and White Extremism. New York: Back Bay Books.

• AI Summary: “In Sisters in Hate, Seyward Darby offers a revealing investigation into the role of women in white extremist movements in the United States. Challenging common perceptions that white supremacy is primarily a male-driven phenomenon, Darby highlights how women contribute to, sustain, and shape these hate groups through activism, propaganda, and recruitment. Drawing on extensive interviews, personal stories, and research, the book explores the motivations, social dynamics, and cultural contexts that draw women into these ideologies. Darby also examines how white extremist women navigate gender roles within their movements and the broader implications for combating domestic extremism. The work is a critical contribution to understanding the complex intersections of gender and hate in contemporary America.”

Giroux, Henry. “The Scourge of Fascist Politics and the Rise of White Nationalism from Orbán to DeSantis.” CounterPunch, August 26, 2022. https://www.counterpunch.org/2022/08/26/the-scourge-of-fascist-politics-and-the-rise-of-white-nationalism-from-orban-to-desantis/

• AI Summary: “In this article, Henry Giroux analyzes the alarming rise of fascist politics and white nationalism across both Europe and the United States, highlighting figures like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Florida’s Ron DeSantis as emblematic leaders fueling these trends. Giroux explores how authoritarian and nationalist ideologies exploit fears around immigration, cultural change, and economic instability to consolidate power. He emphasizes the erosion of democratic institutions, the weaponization of misinformation, and the targeting of marginalized communities as key strategies used by these regimes. Giroux warns that this resurgence of far-right extremism poses serious threats to democracy and social justice, calling for increased political resistance, public awareness, and solidarity to counteract these movements.”

Howard-Woods, Chris, Colid Laidley, and Maryam Omidi, eds. 2018. #Charlottesville: White Supremacy, Populism, and Resistance. Public Seminar Books.

• AI Summary: “This edited volume provides a timely and critical examination of the events surrounding the 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Through essays and analyses by various scholars and activists, the book explores the rise of white supremacy and populism in the United States, situating Charlottesville as a pivotal moment that exposed deep-rooted racial tensions and the resurgence of far-right extremism. It delves into the social, political, and historical contexts that fueled the rally, the response from civil society, and the forms of resistance that emerged in its aftermath. The collection highlights the importance of confronting systemic racism and mobilizing diverse communities to challenge hate and promote justice.”

Kelley, Robin D. G. “Twenty Years of Freedom Dreams.” Boston Review, Fall 2022. https://www.bostonreview.net/articles/twenty-years-of-freedom-dreams/

• AI Summary: “In this reflective essay, Robin D. G. Kelley revisits the concept of “freedom dreams,” a term he coined two decades earlier to describe the visionary aspirations for social justice and liberation that have animated various movements for racial, economic, and political equality. Kelley examines how these dreams have evolved amid ongoing struggles against systemic racism, inequality, and repression in the United States. He highlights the resilience and creativity of marginalized communities in imagining alternative futures despite persistent obstacles. The article calls for renewed commitment to collective liberation, emphasizing the power of hope, solidarity, and transformative activism in shaping a more just society.”

Lavin, Talia. 2020. Culture Warlords: My Journey Into the Dark Web of White Supremacy. New York: Hachette Books.

• AI Summary: “In Culture Warlords, journalist Talia Lavin embarks on a courageous and eye-opening investigation into the hidden online world of white supremacy. Using undercover research methods, Lavin infiltrates extremist chat rooms, forums, and social media channels to expose the language, symbols, and strategies employed by white nationalist groups to recruit and radicalize followers. The book combines personal narrative, cultural analysis, and historical context to reveal how hate spreads digitally and the real-world consequences it engenders. Lavin also explores the challenges of confronting this evolving threat while highlighting the resilience of communities targeted by hate. The work is a compelling and urgent call to understand and counter modern white supremacist movements.”

Lavin, Talia. 2024. Wild Faith: How the Christian Right Is Taking Over America. Legacy Lit.

• AI Summary: “In Wild Faith, Talia Lavin offers a detailed and incisive examination of the rise and influence of the Christian Right in contemporary American politics. Drawing on extensive research and interviews, Lavin explores how this conservative religious movement has strategically mobilized to shape public policy, cultural discourse, and electoral outcomes. The book uncovers the deep connections between faith, political power, and social control, highlighting the ways in which the Christian Right advances a vision that impacts issues ranging from reproductive rights to education and civil liberties. Lavin critically analyzes the movement’s tactics and warns of its profound implications for democracy and pluralism in the United States.”

Onishi, Bradley. 2023. Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism–and What Comes Next. Minneapolis: Broadleaf Books.

• AI Summary: “In Preparing for War, Bradley Onishi provides a thorough historical and contemporary analysis of white Christian nationalism in the United States, tracing its roots in extremist ideologies and its evolution into a powerful political force. The book examines how this movement blends racial identity, religious fervor, and militant activism, often fueling violence and anti-democratic sentiments. Onishi explores key events, figures, and networks that have shaped white Christian nationalist thought and action, while also discussing the implications for America’s future social and political landscape. The work offers critical insights into the ongoing struggle to confront and counteract this dangerous ideology as it continues to impact national discourse and policy.”

Reeve, Elle. 2024. Black Pill: How I Witnessed the Darkest Corners of the Internet Come to Life, Poison Society, and Capture American Politics. Atria Books.

• AI Summary: “In Black Pill, journalist Elle Reeve delves into the evolution of online extremism, tracing its journey from obscure internet forums to its profound impact on American politics. Drawing from a decade of investigative reporting, Reeve examines how fringe ideologies, once confined to the dark web, have infiltrated mainstream discourse, culminating in events like the January 6 Capitol insurrection. A central theme of the book is the concept of the “black pill,” an ideology rooted in nihilism and the belief that societal collapse is both inevitable and desirable. This worldview justifies violence and chaos as means to an end, resonating with various extremist groups, including incels and white nationalists. Reeve profiles key figures such as Fred Brennan, the founder of 8chan, and Richard Spencer, shedding light on their roles in propagating extremist content and the challenges they face within their own movements. Through in-depth interviews and firsthand accounts, the book offers a comprehensive look at the mechanics of online radicalization and its real-world consequences.”

Schreckinger, Ben. “World War Meme.” Politico Magazine, March/April 2017. https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/03/memes-4chan-trump-supporters-trolls-internet-214856/

• AI Summary: “In this article, Ben Schreckinger explores how internet memes and online trolling have become powerful tools in contemporary political warfare, especially during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Focusing on platforms like 4chan and communities of Trump supporters, Schreckinger details how memes were weaponized to spread disinformation, amplify political messages, and disrupt traditional media narratives. The piece highlights the role of anonymous online actors and troll armies in shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse. Schreckinger also discusses the broader implications of this digital culture shift for democracy, media, and political engagement in the internet age.”

Stanley, Jason. How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them. New York: Random House, 2018.

• AI Summary: In How Fascism Works, Jason Stanley, a professor of philosophy at Yale University, outlines the common tactics and “pillars” employed by fascist politicians and movements to gain and maintain power. Drawing on historical examples and contemporary political trends, Stanley identifies strategies such as creating a “mythic past,” using propaganda and anti-intellectualism, fostering a sense of victimhood among the dominant group, promoting “law and order” that targets minorities, and exploiting sexual anxiety. He argues that these tactics create an “us vs. them” mentality, undermine objective truth, and normalize what was once considered intolerable, ultimately leading to the erosion of liberal democratic norms and the consolidation of authoritarian rule.

Tenold, Vegas. 2018. Everything You Love Will Burn: Inside the Rebirth of White Nationalism in America. New York, NY: Bold Type Books.

• AI Summary: “In Everything You Love Will Burn, journalist Vegas Tenold offers an in-depth, on-the-ground exploration of the resurgence of white nationalist movements in the United States. Over six years, Tenold embedded himself within three of the country’s most extreme far-right groups—the Ku Klux Klan, the National Socialist Movement, and the Traditionalist Workers Party. He provides firsthand accounts of their gatherings, ideologies, and strategies, shedding light on how these groups have evolved from fringe elements into more organized and politically engaged entities. The book delves into the personal stories of individuals within these movements, including a millennial Klanswoman in Tennessee and a neo-Nazi in Brooklyn, illustrating the human side of extremist ideologies. Tenold also examines the broader political landscape, highlighting how figures like Matthew Heimbach, dubbed the “Little Führer” by the Southern Poverty Law Center, have sought to mainstream white nationalism by forging alliances with Republican operatives and other far-right groups. Through meticulous reporting, Tenold paints a chilling picture of a movement that has gained momentum in recent years, fueled by economic grievances, racial anxieties, and political rhetoric. Everything You Love Will Burn serves as both a journalistic exposé and a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked extremism in American society.”

Toscano, Alberto. “The Long Shadow of Racial Fascism.” Boston Review, October 28, 2020. https://www.bostonreview.net/articles/alberto-toscano-long-shadow-racial-fascism/

• AI Summary: “In this article, Alberto Toscano critiques the prevailing debate about comparing Donald Trump to European fascists, arguing that such analogies often overlook the unique history of racial fascism in the United States. He highlights how Black radical thinkers have long recognized that the legacy of racial slavery has created a distinct form of American fascism, one that predates and differs from European models. Toscano emphasizes the importance of understanding this history to fully grasp the nature of contemporary authoritarianism in America.”

Ward, Eric K. “Skin in the Game: How Antisemitism Animates White Nationalism.” Political Research Associates, June 29, 2017. https://politicalresearch.org/2017/06/29/skin-in-the-game-how-antisemitism-animates-white-nationalism

• AI Summary: “In this article, civil rights strategist Eric K. Ward argues that antisemitism is not merely an accessory to white nationalism but its foundational ideology. He explains that white nationalists view Jews as a central threat, portraying them as orchestrators behind movements for racial and social justice. This narrative allows white nationalists to rationalize their own failures and the successes of marginalized groups by attributing them to a supposed Jewish conspiracy. Ward emphasizes that understanding this antisemitic framework is crucial for effectively combating white nationalism and protecting democracy.”