Jason Stanley is the kind of writer who’s talent and erudition is undeniable, but boy do you wish his books weren’t so timely or increasingly relevant.

I read his book “How Fascism Works” back in 2018 and unfortunately have had little cause since then to think fascism won’t be a major factor in my life. Whereas his previous book was a bit broad and general for my taste, this title was quite the opposite, being incredibly specific and drawing on a number of current global examples. Unfortunately there is no dearth of examples, since fascism is having something of a moment right now, from Putin’s Russia, to Modi’s India, and of course the United States' own increasingly bold flirtation with authoritarianism.

While this global rise is threatening and overwhelming, the role education and history in particular plays in this struggle for nations can easily be overlooked, that’s where this book comes in. Stanley argues in convincing fashion that education is one of the most critical battlegrounds for any burgeoning fascist regime. The reason for this, the author shows throughout the pages of this book, is that things like critical thinking and a shared understanding of history and culture are anathema to the way fascist governments operate and control people, through manipulation, misinformation, and fear of the "Other”.

While there aren’t any easy answers here, the author does a good job of showing what is really at stake, highlighting the close bond between education and a functioning democracy. If nothing else, this book should serve as a wake up call, lest America become as authoritarian as Putin’s Russia. The fight for our classrooms today is just a prelude to the fight for our voting booths and indeed our country tomorrow.