Authoritarianism Decoded: How Fascism Takes Over Without Force
December 22, 2025
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47:04Now PlayingAuthoritarianism Decoded: How Fascism Takes Over Without Force
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as posted by the channelFascism, 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.
Together, they explore:
- How Mussolini pioneered the authoritarian playbook later adopted by Hitler
- Why modern strongmen present themselves as the “only source of truth”
- How propaganda, social media, and disinformation function as psychological warfare
- The cult-like dynamics of authoritarian movements
- Why people are persuaded to act against their own interests
- The dangers facing democracy and how we can resist, as informed by history
This episode offers crucial historical context and psychological insight into today’s political climate, making it essential listening for anyone trying to understand authoritarianism, cult influence, propaganda, and the fight for democracy.
This archived episode of Cults, Culture, and Coercion was originally filmed on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 and is being re-released for the holiday season as part of a special retrospective highlighting some of Dr. Steven Hassan’s most important conversations.
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#drstevenhassan #stevenhassan #cults #mindcontrol #brainwashing
#BITEmodel #influencecontinuum #ruthbenghiat #strongmen #donaldtrump #trump
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