Strongmen
- 320 pages
- 12 hours of reading
A leading academic exposes the historical and cultural contexts which allow political strongmen to thrive.
Ruth Ben-Ghiat is an internationally acclaimed historian specializing in the study of dictatorships and authoritarian regimes. Her work explores the mechanisms through which power is maintained and draws historical parallels to contemporary political trends. With a profound understanding of the past, Ben-Ghiat offers insightful commentary on current political phenomena.




A leading academic exposes the historical and cultural contexts which allow political strongmen to thrive.
This cultural history of Mussolini's dictatorship discusses the meanings of modernity in interwar Italy. The work argues that fascism appealed to many Italian intellectuals as a new model of modernity that would resolve the European crisis as well as long-standing problems of the national past.
Focusing on the intersection of empire, war, and cinema, this gripping account delves into the roles of Italian and international film during periods of dictatorship. It highlights the significant yet often overlooked contributions of filmmakers and their works, providing a compelling narrative that intertwines historical context with the evolution of film as a medium under oppressive regimes. The exploration reveals how cinema reflects and shapes societal dynamics in tumultuous times.