As we watch the ugly face of fascism surface and spread in Europe and now America, it's a good idea to take a little history lesson.
The 1930s and Now
Fascism was founded on the principal of nationalist unity, against other ideologies like Socialism and Communism.
Adolf Hitler's rise to power came amidst the turbulent 1930s in Germany. Benito Mussolini, another fascist strongman at the time asserted that "National Pride" has no need of the "delirium of race."
Look what's happening today in Europe and America. We're watching the rise of nationalism and racist rhetoric directed at foreigners.
Understanding What's Happening
In a nutshell: Republican institutions (like American Democracy) don't protect us against tyranny when powerful people start defying political norms.
The rise of Trump proves that. His ascension to power parallels Hitler's and Mussolini's.
Other strongmen have taken over countries like Russia's leader Vladimir Putin, and Turkey's leader Recep Tayip Erdogan.
In Austria, a nationalist candidate came within three-tenths of a percentage point of becoming the first far-right head of a state elected in Europe since World War II.
In Hungary, an authoritarian government has clamped down on the news media and erected razor wire fences to keep out migrants.
There are worries that Poland may follow suit.
Traditional parties in France, Germany, Greece and elsewhere have been challenged by nationalist movements amid an economic crisis and waves of migrants.
In Israel, fascism analogies by a former prime minister and a top general have again inflamed the long-running debate about the occupation of Palestinian territories.
Americans are used to the idea that other countries may be vulnerable to such movements, but while figures like Father Charles Coughlin, the demagogic radio broadcaster, enjoyed wide followings in the 1930s, neither major party has ever nominated anyone quite like Trump.
Related: How Fascism Comes to America
How Republics End
Time for me to walk on down the road...
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