Ruth Ben-Ghiat

Historian and leading authority on the fascist playbook, Ruth Ben-Ghiat appeared at The Progressive Forum to discuss her book, Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present. The event took place at Congregation Emanu El, Houston, Texas, on April 16, 2026. She was co-interviewed by Kathleen Canning, Dean of the Rice University School of Humanities and the Arts, as well as scholar of Germany’s Weimar Republic.
American voter registration rates have surged at historic levels in the first quarter of 2026. 40% were people 18 through 25. (3:15)

More Ruth Ben-Ghiat Videos

See video

Hitler required the straight-arm “Heil Hitler” salute for everyone in his political party. What does this teach us about the psychology of followers? (3:54)
See video

“Moral deregulation” is part of the autocrat project, elevating criminals and casting aside conscience. Winning elections isn’t enough, grassroots moral renewal is needed to prevent autocracy from returning. (3:38)
See video

Ruth Ben-Ghiat and Kathleen Canning introduction by Randall Morton, Progressive Forum Executive Director (7:44)

Background

Ruth Ben-Ghiat is an international authority on the fascist playbook and the protection of democracy. An acclaimed historian and commentator, she explains how strongmen combine populist appeal with authoritarian policy by manipulating history, fears, and desires. Her book, Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present traces the rise and fall of modern autocrats around the world, laying out paths for resistance.

She is an MSNBC and CNN commentator and writes for The New York Times, The Economist, The Atlantic, and many others. She is a historical consultant for TV and film, her recent projects include Netflix’s Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial, as well the Oscar-winning Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.

She is the recipient of Guggenheim, Fulbright, and other fellowships. She is Professor of History and Italian Studies at New York University, Advisor to Protect Democracy, and publisher of the popular Substack newsletter “Lucid.” 

Generously sponsored by Amy Sutton and Gary Chiles, Margery and Robert Loeb, Rebecca and Scott McCay, and the Rice University School of Humanities and Arts.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat Updates

 

Thanks to videographers:

Ben Doyle, BEND Productions

Thanks to photographer CJ Martin

For citing this website as a source: ProgressiveForumHouston.org

Thanks to Ruth Ben-Ghiat for permission to post event recordings to our website. We welcome visitors to share this exciting educational material. 

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of institutions they are affiliated with.