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Fascism: The Story of an Idea
A definitive guide to the most misunderstood ideas in modern politics.
The words we use shape the world we live in - so it matters when we get them wrong. This series, from the creators of the chart-topping Origin Story podcast, sheds much-needed light on the true meanings and surprising stories behind some of our most used and abused political terms.
Where did these terms originate? Who coined them - and why? How have their meanings evolved over time? And what do they mean to people today? These small guides to (very) big ideas are an antidote to confusion and conspiracy, bringing clarity back to the conversations we have about politics.
Fascism charts the evolving meaning of one of the most powerful words in political discourse.
The words we use shape the world we live in - so it matters when we get them wrong. This series, from the creators of the chart-topping Origin Story podcast, sheds much-needed light on the true meanings and surprising stories behind some of our most used and abused political terms.
Where did these terms originate? Who coined them - and why? How have their meanings evolved over time? And what do they mean to people today? These small guides to (very) big ideas are an antidote to confusion and conspiracy, bringing clarity back to the conversations we have about politics.
Fascism charts the evolving meaning of one of the most powerful words in political discourse.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2024
25 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 19, 2025
I think this book is more useful as a review of fascism today, than as a a review of Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. The conclusions regarding the histories of those two regimes are more generalisations than detailed historical reviews. It’s a short book, so don’t expect Richard Evans type detail.
I found the last two chapters, Failed Fascists and Fascism Today interesting, although again these become generalisations. I think it’s important to remember that this book is not attempting nuanced discussion on fascism. It is instead attempting an overview, which I think it does very well. If this book was aiming at some sort of grand hypothesis for fascism’s definition, something unthought of before, then it would fall flat. Such a hypothesis will not be achieved in 150 pages. However, the authors clearly acknowledge that they are indebted to the works carried out by previous authors. Its strength is in providing an introduction.
Ultimately, fascism is nigh-on impossible to define satisfactorily. As it lacks an intellectual platform, or a single groundwork piece of literature from which the ideology can be based on (including Mein Kampf), we cannot easily compare fascism to other ‘isms’, namely socialism or liberalism. When judging if a specific regime is fascist, you will never find two regimes, other than Italy and Germany, that satisfactorily meet all the qualifications to be labelled as fascist. Often, on closer inspection, all that is solid melts into air so as to bring into question the usefulness of the term ‘fascist’ in characterising a regime. This is caused by the aforementioned lack of a solid intellectual foundation for fascism.
I think, therefore, it is more useful to refer to ‘fascistic characteristics, or tendencies’, rather than calling a specific regime fascist, as chances are such a label will be easily refutable.
I found the last two chapters, Failed Fascists and Fascism Today interesting, although again these become generalisations. I think it’s important to remember that this book is not attempting nuanced discussion on fascism. It is instead attempting an overview, which I think it does very well. If this book was aiming at some sort of grand hypothesis for fascism’s definition, something unthought of before, then it would fall flat. Such a hypothesis will not be achieved in 150 pages. However, the authors clearly acknowledge that they are indebted to the works carried out by previous authors. Its strength is in providing an introduction.
Ultimately, fascism is nigh-on impossible to define satisfactorily. As it lacks an intellectual platform, or a single groundwork piece of literature from which the ideology can be based on (including Mein Kampf), we cannot easily compare fascism to other ‘isms’, namely socialism or liberalism. When judging if a specific regime is fascist, you will never find two regimes, other than Italy and Germany, that satisfactorily meet all the qualifications to be labelled as fascist. Often, on closer inspection, all that is solid melts into air so as to bring into question the usefulness of the term ‘fascist’ in characterising a regime. This is caused by the aforementioned lack of a solid intellectual foundation for fascism.
I think, therefore, it is more useful to refer to ‘fascistic characteristics, or tendencies’, rather than calling a specific regime fascist, as chances are such a label will be easily refutable.
January 17, 2025
Anyone wanting to get to know fascism have a rifle through this
March 6, 2025
From Mussolini and Hitler through to Putin and Cheeto Mussolini this is a brief and surprisingly detailed history of fascism and fascist behaviour. Engaging, easy to follow and almost right up to date. I recommend this and the author's book on conspiracy theories as primers to where we are at politically today. Looking forward to their book on centrism which I'll be starting soon. I've also discovered their podcast Origin Story which tackles multiple topics in a well researched, often hilarious conversational style.
June 7, 2025
A brief, solid, smart, informative, up-to-the-minute overview of fascism and the difficulties of defining it. Pairs well with other recent works on the subject, such as Stanley’s How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them and Snyder’s On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century. Some good historical sketches of WWII as well as more recent, relevant, history.
February 23, 2025
This is amongst the compelling explorations of fascism I’ve come across. The book masterfully traces its historical roots, evolution, and impact, breaking down complex ideas in a way that is both digestible and deeply thought-provoking.
The comparisons with other forms of authoritarianism and dictatorship add a critical dimension, highlighting not just their similarities but also their unique limitations. It offers a comparative analysis of different regions—Italy, Germany, Spain, Uk, US and beyond—highlighting how distinct cultural, historical, and political contexts made societies susceptible to extremism and right wing populism in unique ways. The discussion on how fascism adapts rather than emerges in isolation was particularly compelling, emphasizing that no nation is inherently immune.
What stood out the most was its call to resist passive acceptance of dominant narratives and instead engage with history through critical thinking and empathy. In a time when political rhetoric often blurs lines, this book serves as a necessary reminder of the power of independent thought.
The comparisons with other forms of authoritarianism and dictatorship add a critical dimension, highlighting not just their similarities but also their unique limitations. It offers a comparative analysis of different regions—Italy, Germany, Spain, Uk, US and beyond—highlighting how distinct cultural, historical, and political contexts made societies susceptible to extremism and right wing populism in unique ways. The discussion on how fascism adapts rather than emerges in isolation was particularly compelling, emphasizing that no nation is inherently immune.
What stood out the most was its call to resist passive acceptance of dominant narratives and instead engage with history through critical thinking and empathy. In a time when political rhetoric often blurs lines, this book serves as a necessary reminder of the power of independent thought.
February 21, 2025
Simply the best and most useful book I've read on fascism. Concise and brilliant. A must read for anyone interested in global power and history.
February 17, 2025
As someone with quite settled politics I always try to make sure whenever reading books like this that I don't let my personal beliefs and biases colour how I view the work
The authors are quite good when recounting historical facts, with a clean narrative and some insight into the men that brought fascism to the fore in the early 20th century.
Where this book fails is when the authors choose to editorialise, which happens quite a lot. According to them, there haven't been any REAL fascist leaders since the downfall of Hitler and Mussolini, but the reasons for this tend to be quite pedantic at best.
They go on to describe a list of 20th century far right authoritarians who aren't fascist, even though what seems to disqualify them are pure technicalities. Apparently, Pinochet, despite disappearing tens of thousands of people, bringing in a military junt, closing down any and all opposition and turning Chile into a Petri dish for hyper capitalist experiments was not a fascist. Apartheid South Africa too.
But the more frustrating part was how "and we lived happily ever after" is applied in places like Italy, Spain and Greece, places that for the next 40 years post WWII lived with the remnants of fascism within their day to day lives, never moving out of its shadow. Does that make those countries fascist during that time? No. But it shows that fascism was specifically co-opted and turned into something new. It didn't go away, it was adopted into the systems of those countries and I think to the less well read reader it gives the impression that sometime in 1945 some magic happened and all the fascists in Italy and Germany stopped being so from that moment onward.
The authors are quite good when recounting historical facts, with a clean narrative and some insight into the men that brought fascism to the fore in the early 20th century.
Where this book fails is when the authors choose to editorialise, which happens quite a lot. According to them, there haven't been any REAL fascist leaders since the downfall of Hitler and Mussolini, but the reasons for this tend to be quite pedantic at best.
They go on to describe a list of 20th century far right authoritarians who aren't fascist, even though what seems to disqualify them are pure technicalities. Apparently, Pinochet, despite disappearing tens of thousands of people, bringing in a military junt, closing down any and all opposition and turning Chile into a Petri dish for hyper capitalist experiments was not a fascist. Apartheid South Africa too.
But the more frustrating part was how "and we lived happily ever after" is applied in places like Italy, Spain and Greece, places that for the next 40 years post WWII lived with the remnants of fascism within their day to day lives, never moving out of its shadow. Does that make those countries fascist during that time? No. But it shows that fascism was specifically co-opted and turned into something new. It didn't go away, it was adopted into the systems of those countries and I think to the less well read reader it gives the impression that sometime in 1945 some magic happened and all the fascists in Italy and Germany stopped being so from that moment onward.
February 19, 2025
I have finished reading “Fascism: The Story of an Idea” by Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey
“I had in mind no specific theoretical programme. Fascism did not arise out of doctrine previously drafted out of a desk. It was borne out of the need for action and consisted of action. For the first 2 years it was not a party but existed as an anti-party and a movement.”
Benito Mussolini
Fascism is more of a movement or a feeling than a coherent political ideology is the main argument of this book. Fascism started as an incoherent group of ideas held together by a fixation of violence and militancy. But during it’s brief prominence it didn’t start much of a written ideological legacy, unlike it’s totalitarian mirror image Communism.
Fascism is recognised as fundamentally being addicted to action. Building. Rallying. Invading. Fascism is never shown as still or stagnant, basically presenting itself as a revolutionary form of ultra-conservatism obsessed with new technology. It could be described as an unstable mix of the old and new worlds.
Much of this book consists of histories about both Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, but certain details and insights keep it from being innocuous.
What I found especially creepy is the behaviour of the main parties in the Weimar Republic before it fell. They changed their rhetoric and styles to imitate what captivated the German public in the Nazis. In my country I can already see this happening by calling asylum seekers “illegal immigrants”.
The book takes an intriguing turn when it discusses leaders who came after WW2 who seemed to share similarities to Fascism. It can be very debatable who fits the profile, but what is probably more reliable is to acknowledge that some of these leaders have used elements of the Fascist heritage.
There is a discussion about Donald Trump, but the authors do not go so far as to call him a Fascist outright. However, the similarities are made obvious by many relevant comparisons between Trump’s actions and rhetoric and Fascist leaders.
There is a brief discussion at the end about how we identify what is Fascism and who is a Fascist. A definition? Too hard to pin down. A checklist? Better. However, arguably in the age of Social Media the mood of Fascism is more easy to detect. For those concerned about it, it is incumbent on it to promote and Anti-Fascist mood.
“I had in mind no specific theoretical programme. Fascism did not arise out of doctrine previously drafted out of a desk. It was borne out of the need for action and consisted of action. For the first 2 years it was not a party but existed as an anti-party and a movement.”
Benito Mussolini
Fascism is more of a movement or a feeling than a coherent political ideology is the main argument of this book. Fascism started as an incoherent group of ideas held together by a fixation of violence and militancy. But during it’s brief prominence it didn’t start much of a written ideological legacy, unlike it’s totalitarian mirror image Communism.
Fascism is recognised as fundamentally being addicted to action. Building. Rallying. Invading. Fascism is never shown as still or stagnant, basically presenting itself as a revolutionary form of ultra-conservatism obsessed with new technology. It could be described as an unstable mix of the old and new worlds.
Much of this book consists of histories about both Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, but certain details and insights keep it from being innocuous.
What I found especially creepy is the behaviour of the main parties in the Weimar Republic before it fell. They changed their rhetoric and styles to imitate what captivated the German public in the Nazis. In my country I can already see this happening by calling asylum seekers “illegal immigrants”.
The book takes an intriguing turn when it discusses leaders who came after WW2 who seemed to share similarities to Fascism. It can be very debatable who fits the profile, but what is probably more reliable is to acknowledge that some of these leaders have used elements of the Fascist heritage.
There is a discussion about Donald Trump, but the authors do not go so far as to call him a Fascist outright. However, the similarities are made obvious by many relevant comparisons between Trump’s actions and rhetoric and Fascist leaders.
There is a brief discussion at the end about how we identify what is Fascism and who is a Fascist. A definition? Too hard to pin down. A checklist? Better. However, arguably in the age of Social Media the mood of Fascism is more easy to detect. For those concerned about it, it is incumbent on it to promote and Anti-Fascist mood.
November 17, 2024
The best book I have read this year!
The publication of this book was timed to perfection. Not only was it relevant for the American election (Mr Trump is afforded a lot of airtime in the final chapters named 'Fascism Today' and 'History of Fascism') but this book came at an excellent time for me personally as I think about the reign of the Third Reich across Europe in the 20th Century for my job. Dunt and Lynskey not only talk about Germany's history of fascism, but Mussolini too gets a thorough exploration. Indeed this book provided a comparative analysis of both Hitler and Mussolini's fascism in an attempt to understand our use of the the 'F-word' today.
Takeaways: Though fascism bears no official definition, it is helpful when comparing former fascist regimes to the rise of national populism - Dunt and Lynskey make the case that actors in the NP movement certainly mirror the tactics employed by the fascist dictators of the 20th century. Fascism is also understood exclusively through the lens of Hitler and Mussolini (even more the former than the latter) leaving no scope for describing the political systems which bear similarities/ fascist traits without fully replicating Hitler/Mussolini-esque fascism. This becomes problematic when recognising fascist behaviour in political parties or governments when 'fascism' has becomes synonymous with ‘concentration camps’ in public imagination.
Every line of this book is judicious, quotable and insightful. Dunt and Lynskey don't waste a single word.
The publication of this book was timed to perfection. Not only was it relevant for the American election (Mr Trump is afforded a lot of airtime in the final chapters named 'Fascism Today' and 'History of Fascism') but this book came at an excellent time for me personally as I think about the reign of the Third Reich across Europe in the 20th Century for my job. Dunt and Lynskey not only talk about Germany's history of fascism, but Mussolini too gets a thorough exploration. Indeed this book provided a comparative analysis of both Hitler and Mussolini's fascism in an attempt to understand our use of the the 'F-word' today.
Takeaways: Though fascism bears no official definition, it is helpful when comparing former fascist regimes to the rise of national populism - Dunt and Lynskey make the case that actors in the NP movement certainly mirror the tactics employed by the fascist dictators of the 20th century. Fascism is also understood exclusively through the lens of Hitler and Mussolini (even more the former than the latter) leaving no scope for describing the political systems which bear similarities/ fascist traits without fully replicating Hitler/Mussolini-esque fascism. This becomes problematic when recognising fascist behaviour in political parties or governments when 'fascism' has becomes synonymous with ‘concentration camps’ in public imagination.
Every line of this book is judicious, quotable and insightful. Dunt and Lynskey don't waste a single word.
December 14, 2025
A 7.9/10 slap of sobriety for your timeline that proves most people screaming about tyranny online have no idea what they're actually talking about.
In an online world where 'fascist' gets thrown around more than unsolicited life advice from a 18-year-old life coach, Dunt and Lynskey have finally provided the adult supervision we need to discuss this topic properly. This book is no dry thesis that requires a PhD to decipher; it’s a brisk, six-chapter espresso shot of history, giving you the essentials on the ideology’s slippery past and its creepy modern relevance. The authors stated aim with their book series is to combat the internet's habit of lying to us, and they deliver here with a concise primer on the 'essentials’ (history, ideology, and relevance) that you can hammer through in a single day. While the book brilliantly explains fascism’s non-rigid nature, I was left wanting a more direct takedown of the very keyboard warriors who misuse the label so freely, and a shade more detail wouldn't have hurt. For its clarity, accessibility and relevance in decoding modern populism, it earns a strong 7.9/10 and a spot on my 'required reading' list for anyone with an internet connection.
In an online world where 'fascist' gets thrown around more than unsolicited life advice from a 18-year-old life coach, Dunt and Lynskey have finally provided the adult supervision we need to discuss this topic properly. This book is no dry thesis that requires a PhD to decipher; it’s a brisk, six-chapter espresso shot of history, giving you the essentials on the ideology’s slippery past and its creepy modern relevance. The authors stated aim with their book series is to combat the internet's habit of lying to us, and they deliver here with a concise primer on the 'essentials’ (history, ideology, and relevance) that you can hammer through in a single day. While the book brilliantly explains fascism’s non-rigid nature, I was left wanting a more direct takedown of the very keyboard warriors who misuse the label so freely, and a shade more detail wouldn't have hurt. For its clarity, accessibility and relevance in decoding modern populism, it earns a strong 7.9/10 and a spot on my 'required reading' list for anyone with an internet connection.
February 11, 2025
The Story of an Idea: Fascism is an insightful and accessible introduction to one of history’s most troubling ideologies. The book provides a solid foundation for those new to the topic, particularly in its exploration of Mussolini’s role in shaping fascism. It effectively traces the ideology’s historical development, offering clear explanations without oversimplification.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to contextualise fascism within its time while also drawing connections to modern political movements. The final chapter, which examines the evolution of fascism in the contemporary world, was particularly compelling. It highlights the ways in which fascist ideas have persisted and adapted, making it a crucial read for understanding current political dynamics.
Overall, The Story of an Idea: Fascism is a well-structured and engaging read that serves as an excellent starting point for anyone looking to understand the origins and lasting impact of fascism.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to contextualise fascism within its time while also drawing connections to modern political movements. The final chapter, which examines the evolution of fascism in the contemporary world, was particularly compelling. It highlights the ways in which fascist ideas have persisted and adapted, making it a crucial read for understanding current political dynamics.
Overall, The Story of an Idea: Fascism is a well-structured and engaging read that serves as an excellent starting point for anyone looking to understand the origins and lasting impact of fascism.
March 4, 2025
With the second coming of Donald Trump it seems a good time to reflect on "what is Fascism". Revisiting the rise of Mussolini and Hitler in the early chapters was interesting, with clear echoes in the modern world. After that the book feels more like opinion pieces, declaring Salazar and Franco as not Fascists etc, whilst summarising the story by saying that in fact Fascism is too slippery to clearly define. The way Trump has been acting since in government almost makes this book behind the curve already.
August 17, 2025
I was worried about how this book would be structured going into it, but I had absolutely nothing to worry about. Not only did I lean new things from this book, but it also put things I already knew into a different fresh perspective. The history and timeline aspect of this read was particularly good and well structured. Will definitely be looking for other books in this line next time I’m at the bookstore!
October 4, 2025
Origin Story is a terrific podcast. Incredibly well researched, thought provoking and entertaining. This book is just as good.
Fascism should be an outdated concept but sadly this subject is still very relevant. It's important to know it's history and how to identify it in order to deal with it.
You will discover so much history, going right back to when the term was created and up to the version of facism which we see today.
It's a serious book for sure, but one that deserves to be read.
Fascism should be an outdated concept but sadly this subject is still very relevant. It's important to know it's history and how to identify it in order to deal with it.
You will discover so much history, going right back to when the term was created and up to the version of facism which we see today.
It's a serious book for sure, but one that deserves to be read.
November 27, 2024
A 'to the point' history of fascism, how it came to prominence, how it's failed and what it means today. It's hard to define fascism because it's purposely mystic but it can show you how it took root and how it is still used to influence people's darker sides today
Probably important to read now more than ever
Probably important to read now more than ever
July 31, 2025
A very easy-to-follow, compact analysis of the origins of fascism, attempts of fascism post World War 2 and what fascism looks like today. And ultimately: what does fascism even mean?
Thoroughly enjoyed this crash course in fascist history & would strong recommend!
Thoroughly enjoyed this crash course in fascist history & would strong recommend!
November 17, 2024
A very interesting read about the origins of Fascism and what it means in the world today. It is definitely a warning for the future!
January 21, 2025
Loooved it
January 27, 2025
Great introductory piece on the history of fascism and why it, as a concept, is so difficult to define. Especially prevalent today.
February 25, 2025
Good thesis, bit over the top, some funny passages
August 14, 2025
Great overview of a topic that could not be more relevant to current political debates
November 24, 2025
Fascism, the story of an idea that was made necessary ... and that time might be upon us once again.
December 29, 2025
A great quick explanation on fascisms history and the true horror it is. I highly enjoyed it. Even as someone without much knowledge on politics, it was easy to understand and enjoy.
February 9, 2025
Very good.
There are two parts to Fascism, The Story of an Idea: 1. Mussolini's Road to Power and 2. Hitler's Road to Power.
Fascism is a difficult word to define.
Should it be restricted to a historical period? Can the concept be used in the present day?
There are two parts to Fascism, The Story of an Idea: 1. Mussolini's Road to Power and 2. Hitler's Road to Power.
Fascism is a difficult word to define.
Should it be restricted to a historical period? Can the concept be used in the present day?
December 18, 2024
Accessible entry level text on fascism’s origins, paying specific attention to Mussolini’s Italy and Hitler’s Germany in the 1930s and 1940s.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews