Fascism: A Warning

by Madeleine K. Albright

by paralyzing the education system, and by spreading in a myriad subtle ways

nost...

for a world where order reigned.” If he is right (and I think he is), we have reason to be concerned by the gathering array of political and social currents buffeting us today—currents propelled by the dark underside of the technological revolution, the corroding effects of power, the American presid...

“in the rights, wisdom, and virtues” of the common people. Why? Because common people are the majority, and having the majority on one’s side is a pretty good strategy for winning elections.

What makes a movement Fascist is not ideology but the willingness to do whatever is necessary—including the use of force and trampling on the rights of others—to achieve victory and command obedience.

In the first, reactionary billionaires conspire to monopolize media platforms

and pour their riches into the campaigns of favored candidates who, when in office, ensure the selection of compliant judges.

unfairly restrict...

divert funding for public education to pr...

and drill for oil here, there, an...

Guantánamo to include domestic criminal suspects, and bar invest...

spend their lives within a conservative echo chamber, where they watch nothing but Fox News, memorize the Breitbart catechism, and learn only what goose...

On the economy, I’m reminded of the Sgt. Pepper tune where Paul sings, “I’ve got to admit it’s getting better,” and John taunts him, “It can’t get no worse.” Perspective is everything.

Whoever fights with monsters should see to it that in the process he does not himself become a monster. —NIETZSCHE

During my opportunity to speak, I expressed alarm—as I often do—at those now in office who think the United States can get by without help from its friends. In my view, we need to work well with others, whether we are trying to stop terrorists, halt the spread of nuclear arms, raise living standards, preserve the environment, prevent epidemic disease, put international drug dealers in jail, or—yes—safeguard our borders.

There’s no reason on earth why we should be afraid or unwilling to engage constructively. The idea that the United States is a nation of chumps that has spent the past fifty years getting ripped off by wily foreigners is absurd.

worry today that the country is, by its own choice, becoming less admired and less relevant in shaping world affairs. Partly for this reason, I believe that Fascism and Fascist policies pose a more virulent threat to international freedom, prosperity, and peace than at any time since World War II.

I am drawn again to my conclusion that a Fascist is someone who claims to speak for a whole nation or group, is utterly unconcerned with the rights of others, and is willing to use violence and whatever other means are necessary to achieve the goals he or she might have.

Lincoln never mocked the downtrodden, nor bragged of his own accomplishments, nor exhibited personal cruelty.

“malice toward none” and “charity for all.”

he found the trappings of high office eminently resistible and refused to stand for a second term.

Lincoln and Mandela each fought with monsters; neither became one.