Historian and Expert on Fascism & Authoritarian Leaders; NYT Bestselling Author
Ruth Ben-Ghiat: Biography at a Glance
- Ruth Ben-Ghiat is a Professor of History and Italian Studies at New York University, focusing on fascism, authoritarianism, propaganda, and threats to democracies.
- Her NYT bestselling book, Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present, examines how illiberal leaders employ propaganda, corruption, violence, and machismo, and how to defeat them.
- She has received prestigious fellowships such as Guggenheim and Fulbright, and is a member of the Institute for Advanced Study.
- Ruth publishes "Lucid," a Substack newsletter addressing democracy threats in the U.S. and worldwide.
- She is a sought-after expert for global TV, radio, podcasts, and online events and writes for major publications including CNN, The Economist, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic.
- She has appeared in documentaries such as Netflix's How To Become a Tyrant and PBS's The Dictators' Playbook and acts as a historical consultant for film and television, most recently for Guillermo del Toro's Oscar-winning Pinocchio
- Ruth also serves in advisory roles for Protect Democracy, the House Select Jan. 6 Committee, and corporations.
- Ruth is an engaging speaker for university events, festivals, conferences, and professional associations both in the U.S. and abroad.
Videos
Biography
Ruth Ben-Ghiat is a Professor of History and Italian Studies at New York University. She writes about fascism, authoritarianism, propaganda, and the threats these present to democracies around the world.
Her most recent NYT bestselling book, Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present, looks at how illiberal leaders use propaganda, corruption, violence, and machismo, and how they can be defeated. She is the recipient of Guggenheim, Fulbright, and other fellowships, a member of the Institute for Advanced Study, and a 2023 Maggie and Dan Inouye Distinguished Chair of Democratic Ideals at the University of Hawai'i. She publishes Lucid, a Substack newsletter on threats to democracy in the U.S. and abroad.
Ben-Ghiat's insights into the authoritarian playbook and democracy protection have made her an expert source for television, radio, podcasts, and online events around the globe. She writes for CNN, The Economist, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic. She is an MSNBC opinion columnist and frequently provides television commentary on that network. She has appeared in many documentaries about dictators and threats to democracy, such as Netflix's How To Become a Tyrant and PBS's The Dictators' Playbook.
Ben-Ghiat turns her expertise into advisory work for Protect Democracy, the House Select Jan. 6 Committee, and corporations. She also serves as a historical consultant for film and television productions, most recently Guillermo del Toro's Oscar-winning Pinocchio, which is set in Fascist Italy.
She is an engaging speaker for university and college events, festivals, conferences, and professional associations in the U.S. and abroad.
Topics
Exposing the Strongman: Recognizing and Resisting Modern Authoritarianism
In an era where authoritarianism continues to rise, Historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat draws on her unparalleled expertise to illuminate the "strongman" playbook employed by despots from Mussolini to Putin. Through a detailed examination of their shared tactics—propaganda, corruption, violence, and the weaponization of masculinity—Ben-Ghiat unveils how these leaders evade accountability, subvert democratic institutions, and sow chaos under the guise of order.
Her speech explores the devastating consequences of authoritarian rule, from financial and moral exploitation to the erosion of truth and civil liberties. Yet, she also highlights the acts of solidarity and courage that have historically dismantled such regimes, offering a powerful call to action for individuals and societies. By understanding the blueprint of the strongman, we can build the collective strength needed to resist and prevent authoritarianism in our time. This is a critical and inspiring discussion on the vigilance, unity, and resilience required to safeguard democracy and freedom.
