Understanding Modern Fascism: Jason Stanley on Education and Nationalism
Fascism isn’t just history: It’s a living threat today. Philosopher Jason Stanley explores this danger in his books How Fascism Works (2018) and Erasing History (2024). He explains how modern fascism divides people, fuels fear, and reshapes education to control ideas.
Fascism and Education
Stanley argues that fascist movements glorify a “mythic past” while blaming minorities for social problems. They promote nationalism that hides real issues like poverty and inequality. Education becomes a tool for indoctrination, not enlightenment.
According to Stanley, authoritarian leaders weaken schools by turning them into platforms for propaganda. They discourage critical thought and limit academic freedom. For example, right-wing politicians in the US brand universities as “Marxist” and attack subjects like critical race theory. As a result, public education shifts toward narrow job training instead of civic understanding.
Nationalism and Supremacy
In Erasing History, Stanley links fascist politics to supremacist nationalism. He critiques “Jewish nationalism” in Israel for creating an unequal system that marginalizes Palestinians. Similarly, he describes Hindu nationalism in India as promoting religious supremacy and restricting Muslim rights.
Both examples show how nationalist ideologies use education and fear to divide citizens and silence dissent.
Stanley concludes that the true antidote lies in education that teaches empathy, equality, and social justice. Learning, he argues, should build compassion—not control minds.
