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United States Ruth Ben-Ghiat is an acclaimed historian and author, recognized for her extensive research and commentary on fascism, authoritarianism, propaganda, and threats to democracy. As a Professor of History and Italian Studies at New York University, she provides valuable historical context and insight to global audiences.
Ruth Ben-Ghiat is Professor of History and Italian Studies at New York University. Her story is featured in "Sounding the Alarm" by NYU Scope Magazine, detailing her journey from UCLA to Brandeis, and her focus on the reign of Benito Mussolini due to its longer duration than Nazi Germany, and lesser scholarly attention at the time. This article delves into her academic path, including a Fulbright fellowship in Rome, where she observed contemporary autocracy with Silvio Berlusconi's government, solidifying her area of study on authoritarian governments.
Ruth Ben-Ghiat serves as an advisor to Protect Democracy, an organization committed to defeating authoritarianism. Her involvement reflects her commitment to applying her historical insights to contemporary efforts in safeguarding democratic institutions.
Ben-Ghiat has appeared in documentaries about dictators and threats to democracy, including Netflix's 'How To Become a Tyrant'. She also consulted on an upcoming, unannounced documentary project for Netflix, emphasizing accentuating historical accuracy and diverse perspectives.
She has contributed to documentaries like PBS's 'The Dictators' Playbook', providing expert commentary on authoritarian regimes.
As a historical consultant for Guillermo del Toro's Oscar-winning 'Pinocchio', set in Fascist Italy, Ben-Ghiat reviewed storyboards, consulted on the script, and shaped characters. She ensured fascists were not glamorized, collaborating to infuse historical context while allowing for creative license.
Ben-Ghiat writes for CNN and frequently appears on the network as an expert source to discuss authoritarianism and threats to democracy, especially since 2016.
Her writings on historical and contemporary political issues are featured in The Economist.
Ben-Ghiat contributes articles to The New Yorker, including pieces like 'Why Are So Many Fascist Monuments Still Standing?' (2017).
She is a contributor to The Washington Post, where she shares her insights on authoritarianism and democracy.
Ben-Ghiat writes for The Atlantic, offering commentary and analysis on topics related to fascism and global politics.
Ben-Ghiat is an MSNBC opinion columnist and provides frequent television commentary on the network regarding authoritarianism and propaganda.
W.W. Norton published her book "Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present" in 2020 (paperback, 2021).
She publishes "Lucid", a popular Substack newsletter on threats to democracy in the U.S. and abroad, where she also hosts weekly live Zooms.
Ben-Ghiat advised filmmakers on their depiction of Hitler for Taika Waititi’s 2019 film 'Jojo Rabbit', which details the impact of both an imaginary and the real-world Adolf Hitler on the life of a 10-year-old boy. She watched a test screening to ensure an admirable portrayal of Hitler's vanity and impulsivity.
Ruth Ben-Ghiat earned her Ph.D. in Comparative History from Brandeis University and a B.A. in History from the University of California at Los Angeles. Her academic career is distinguished by her focus on understanding the mechanisms of authoritarian power and its impact on societies. She has held prestigious fellowships, including those from Guggenheim and Fulbright, and is a member of the Institute for Advanced Study. In 2023, she was honored as a Maggie and Dan Inouye Distinguished Chair of Democratic Ideals at the University of Hawai’i, further cementing her standing as a prominent voice in the study of democratic resilience. Her expertise is frequently sought after in various media, including television, radio, podcasts, and online platforms globally.
Ben-Ghiat’s scholarship is exemplified by her book, “Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present” (2020), which analyzes how illiberal leaders employ propaganda, corruption, violence, and machismo to gain and maintain power, and strategies for their defeat. Her work extends beyond academia; she is an MSNBC opinion columnist and a frequent television commentator for the network. She contributes to publications such as CNN, The Economist, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic. Her insights have also been featured in documentaries like Netflix’s “How To Become a Tyrant” and PBS’s “The Dictators’ Playbook.” She authors “Lucid,” a Substack newsletter dedicated to exploring threats to democracy in the U.S. and internationally.
Beyond her academic and media engagements, Ben-Ghiat applies her historical knowledge as an advisor for organizations like Protect Democracy and businesses facing challenges from autocratic regimes. She also provides historical consultation for film and television productions, notably for Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning “Pinocchio,” set in Fascist Italy. She is a recognized speaker, participating in university events, festivals, conferences, and professional associations globally, sharing her expertise on historical patterns of authoritarianism and their contemporary relevance.
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