Ruth Ben-Ghiat

professor of history and Italian studies at New York University; author of the book “Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present”

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Ruth Ben-Ghiat is a professor of history and Italian studies at New York University and a contributor to CNN. Her latest book is Italian Fascism's Empire Cinema.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat on KCRW

Donald Trump's presidential campaign speeches have become more vengeful and autocratic. Now experts are warning about a rise in fascism ahead of next year’s election.

Is Trump espousing fascism in his authoritarian campaign rhetoric?

Donald Trump's presidential campaign speeches have become more vengeful and autocratic. Now experts are warning about a rise in fascism ahead of next year’s election.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Giorgia Meloni is likely to become Italy’s first female prime minister and the country’s first far-right leader since World War II. Her coalition won the most votes over the weekend.

Fascist Giorgia Meloni to lead Italy, could be out in 1 year, says historian

Giorgia Meloni is likely to become Italy’s first female prime minister and the country’s first far-right leader since World War II. Her coalition won the most votes over the weekend.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The threat of war looms along the Russian-Ukrainian border, where nearly 100,000 Russian troops are stationed. The White House says Russia could attack Ukraine at any point.

What are Putin’s motivations for threatening to invade Ukraine?

The threat of war looms along the Russian-Ukrainian border, where nearly 100,000 Russian troops are stationed. The White House says Russia could attack Ukraine at any point.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

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In the midst of election season, conversations revolving around the levers of power become more frequent, and in the case of a U.S.

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