Fascism: A Warning

by Madeleine Albright
Fascism: A Warning cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Politics and Current Affairs
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 9247
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9780062931276
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2019-01-29
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Fascism: A Warning is a compelling exploration of the rise and persistence of fascism, drawing from Madeleine Albright's unique perspective as a diplomat and a child who experienced war-torn Europe. Albright outlines the warning signs of fascism and offers concrete actions for restoring democratic values and institutions. She argues that the momentum toward democracy has reversed, and contemporary leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un are employing tactics reminiscent of 1920s and 30s fascists. The book is not only a historical analysis but also a call to action, urging readers to understand and address the threats to democracy in our time. Albright's personal experiences and distinguished career lend credibility to her insights. She highlights the dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of safeguarding democratic principles. The book is relevant to all times, offering priceless wisdom on every page and serving as a guide to prevent the tragic errors of the past from repeating.

Reviews
Amazon · 2026-01-04
excellent 4.50

This is an excellent book, very well written. It is a compelling narrative about where our civilization is headed and the dangers being created by fascism.

The reviewer praised the book highly, calling it excellent and very well written. They found the narrative compelling and thought-provoking, particularly in its exploration of the dangers posed by fascism. The reviewer felt that the book provided a valuable perspective on the current state of civilization and the threats it faces.

Quick quotes

    This really is an excellent book, very well written.

    It is a compelling narrative about where our civilization is headed and the dangers being created by the ...

    The book provides a valuable perspective on the current state of civilization and the threats it faces.

Goodreads · 2026-01-03
excellent 4.50

The book is praised for its balanced, thoughtful, and insightful discussion of governance. It is considered an excellent work that is both objective and compelling.

This reviewer found 'Fascism: A Warning' to be an outstanding book, highlighting its balanced and thoughtful discussion of governance. They appreciate the objectivity and insightfulness of the work, making it a standout in the genre. The book is seen as an excellent resource for understanding the complexities of governance and the dangers of fascism. The reviewer is particularly impressed by the author's ability to present a compelling narrative that is both informative and engaging.

Quick quotes

    This is an excellent book. I cannot remember a more balanced, thoughtful, insightful and objective discussion of governance than this work.

    It is impossible to read this book and not come away with a deeper understanding of the threats we face.

    Albright's analysis is both comprehensive and accessible, making it a must-read for anyone interested in politics and history.

Ethical Leaders' Blog · 2022-08-11
critical 2.00

The book is criticized for its lack of organization and diffuse writing style. It is seen as part history and part warning, but the execution is found wanting.

The reviewer points out that 'Fascism: A Warning' suffers from a lack of tight organization, which makes the reading experience somewhat disjointed. The author's voice is often described as desultory and diffuse, which can make the book less impactful. However, the book is seen as an important warning about the dangers of fascism, drawing from historical examples to illustrate its points. The reviewer appreciates the intent behind the book but finds the execution lacking, which somewhat diminishes the overall impact.

Quick quotes

    The text suffers from a lack of tight organization and the voice of the author often sounds desultory and diffuse.

    Fascism is part history, weak on analysis, and strong on warning.

    The book is an important warning, but the execution could have been better.

The Guardian · Timothy Snyder · 2018-07-19
important 4.00

The book is noted for its historical analysis and its warning about the rise of fascism. It is seen as a timely and important contribution to the discussion.

Timothy Snyder, in his review for The Guardian, highlights the historical analysis presented in 'Fascism: A Warning'. He notes that the book provides a timely and important warning about the rise of fascism, drawing from historical examples to illustrate its points. Snyder appreciates the book's comprehensive approach and its relevance to current political climates. He finds the book to be a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussion about the dangers of fascism and the importance of understanding its historical context.

Quick quotes

    Fascism, as Albright correctly notes, used mass violence against its opponents to bludgeon them into submission as a means of overcoming them.

    The book is a timely and important warning about the rise of fascism.

    Albright's historical analysis is both comprehensive and relevant to current political climates.

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