In this wide-ranging discussion, NYU historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat, author of Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present, explains how fascist leaders from Mussolini and Hitler to modern authoritarian figures like President Donald Trump use propaganda, victimhood narratives, disinformation, and psychological manipulation to gain and maintain power. Dr Hassan connects these historical patterns to cult dynamics, mind control, and the follower–leader relationship he has studied for decades.
Monday, January 26, 2026
Authoritarianism Decoded: How Fascism Takes Over without Force
Dec 22, 2025 | Fascism, authoritarianism, cult psychology, propaganda, Trump, Mussolini, and modern machismos explained. Historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat joins cult expert Dr. Steven Hassan to break down how dictators rise, how mind control works, and why democracy is under threat.
In this wide-ranging discussion, NYU historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat, author of Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present, explains how fascist leaders from Mussolini and Hitler to modern authoritarian figures like President Donald Trump use propaganda, victimhood narratives, disinformation, and psychological manipulation to gain and maintain power. Dr Hassan connects these historical patterns to cult dynamics, mind control, and the follower–leader relationship he has studied for decades.
In this wide-ranging discussion, NYU historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat, author of Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present, explains how fascist leaders from Mussolini and Hitler to modern authoritarian figures like President Donald Trump use propaganda, victimhood narratives, disinformation, and psychological manipulation to gain and maintain power. Dr Hassan connects these historical patterns to cult dynamics, mind control, and the follower–leader relationship he has studied for decades.
