4th Meeting: Antifascist Book Club Leader Guide

Welcome to the fourth meeting of your Antifascist Book Club! This guide will help you facilitate a discussion on Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present by Ruth Ben-Ghiat, focusing on the tools authoritarian leaders use to consolidate power. Use the discussion prompts and action steps to deepen your group's understanding and commitment.

📥 Download the expanded PDF version with additional details(Placeholder)
The PDF version includes extended discussion prompts, deeper analysis of key themes, and additional resources for continuing the conversation.

Purpose of This Meeting

This session will focus on Part 2 of Strongmen, examining how authoritarian leaders consolidate power through propaganda, nationalism, corruption, and violence. The discussion will explore how these tactics are used to shape national identity and suppress opposition.

Objectives of This Meeting

• Analyze the mechanisms authoritarian leaders use to entrench their power.

• Examine the role of propaganda, nationalism, and corruption.

• Discuss historical examples in relation to contemporary authoritarian tactics.

• Reflect on how these patterns manifest today.

1. Welcome & Opening Thoughts (10-15 min)

• Reiterate the goals of the book club and today’s discussion.

• Invite members to share initial reactions to Part 2 of Strongmen.

2. Understanding the Core Themes (20-30 min)

Discussion Areas:

• Propaganda: How do authoritarian leaders control narratives and suppress dissent?

• Nationalism: How is nationalist sentiment manufactured and exploited?

• Corruption: How is corruption institutionalized to reinforce loyalty?

• Violence: How is violence used to intimidate opposition?

Guiding Questions:

• How do these mechanisms reinforce each other in maintaining authoritarian rule?

• What historical examples stood out to you, and how do they compare to modern-day tactics?

3. Making Contemporary Connections (10 min)

• Identify present-day leaders who exhibit these authoritarian tendencies.

• Discuss modern examples of state propaganda and media suppression.

4. Looking Ahead & Actionable Steps (10 min)

• Discuss how understanding these tactics can help resist authoritarian influence.

• Prepare for the next discussion on Part 3 of Strongmen.

5. Conclusion & Next Steps (5-10 min)

• Thank members for their participation.

• Confirm the next meeting’s topic: Strongmen, Part 3.

Continue the Journey

• Go to the 5th Meeting Guide

• Return to the Leader Guides Index

📥 Download the expanded PDF version with additional details(Placeholder)

For more resources, visit the main Antifascist Book Club page.