Books Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present  by Ruth Ben-Ghiat (Author)

"Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present" by Ruth Ben-Ghiat critically examines authoritarian leaders from Benito Mussolini to contemporary figures, revealing the consistent patterns and tactics they use to gain, maintain, and lose power. The book divides strongmen into three historical categories: early 20th-century fascists, mid-century military coup leaders, and modern post-1990 new authoritarians.

Ben-Ghiat focuses on core tools of strongman rule such as propaganda, violence, corruption, and virility—a distinctive emphasis on how displays of masculinity and sexual dominance reinforce their authority. These leaders often prioritize loyalty and corruption over competence, govern through fear and patronage, and exploit misinformation and manipulation. Prominent examples include Vladimir Putin, Augusto Pinochet, Silvio Berlusconi, Donald Trump, and others, illustrating how authoritarianism remains a dangerous force in global politics.