A Survival Guide to the Rise of Authoritarianism
Confluence Daily is your daily news source for women in the know.
By: Lisa Hayes
The cracks in democracy often begin quietly, with whispers of division and fear. But history has shown us time and time again that vigilance is our best defense. As we confront an era where authoritarian tendencies are growing, equipping ourselves with knowledge is an act of resistance.
I want to share a list of books and resources that shed light on the signs of creeping fascism and offer tools for understanding, organizing, and acting. These aren’t just words on pages—they are lifelines for those who believe in the power of democracy and justice.
1. On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder
This slim, accessible book is a masterclass in understanding how democracies collapse and authoritarian regimes rise. Snyder draws lessons from history, offering 20 actionable steps to resist tyranny, from defending institutions to standing up for truth. It’s a guidebook for those who refuse to be bystanders in times of crisis.
2. The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt
A foundational text in political philosophy, Arendt explores how totalitarian movements take root. She examines the role of propaganda, isolation, and the erosion of truth in creating systems of oppression. This book is dense but indispensable for understanding the psychology and mechanisms behind authoritarian regimes.
3. How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them by Jason Stanley
Stanley deconstructs the tactics used by fascist leaders to manipulate societies—exploiting fear, creating scapegoats, and weaponizing nostalgia. This book is a clear, accessible roadmap for identifying fascist rhetoric in modern political discourse.
4. They Thought They Were Free: The Germans, 1933–45 by Milton Mayer
This chilling work offers personal stories from ordinary Germans who supported the Nazi regime, revealing how subtle shifts in societal norms led to widespread complicity. It’s a sobering reminder that fascism often thrives through gradual acceptance rather than outright revolution.
5. Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present by Ruth Ben-Ghiat
This book examines the playbook of authoritarian leaders, from their rise to power to their eventual downfall. Ben-Ghiat highlights how strongmen exploit gender, violence, and corruption to maintain control and how societies can fight back.
6. Documentaries:
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The Act of Killing and The Look of Silence (Joshua Oppenheimer)
These films explore the human cost of authoritarian regimes in Indonesia, exposing how fear and propaganda can sustain systems of oppression. -
The Edge of Democracy (Petra Costa)
This documentary offers a deeply personal and political exploration of Brazil’s recent political history, including the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff and the imprisonment of former President Lula da Silva. It’s a compelling case study of how democratic institutions can be undermined, serving as a cautionary tale for other nations.
7. Articles and Websites:
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The Freedom House Annual Report
Tracks the rise and fall of democracy worldwide, offering data-driven insights into global authoritarian trends.
(freedomhouse.org) -
The ACLU’s Guide to Protest Rights
Understanding your rights is crucial in resisting authoritarianism. This guide provides practical steps for safe, effective activism.
(aclu.org/know-your-rights/protest-rights)
8.. Additional Resources.
Janette Dalgliesh – After the US election
8. Podcasts:
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“It Could Happen Here”
This podcast explores how modern societies could collapse under authoritarianism and how communities can resist. -
“Gaslit Nation”
Focused on the rise of authoritarianism globally, this podcast dissects political events with historical and cultural context.
Democracy doesn’t collapse overnight—it erodes slowly, almost imperceptibly, until the unthinkable becomes reality. The rise of fascism thrives on ignorance, apathy, and fear, but history has left us a blueprint to fight back. In times like these, arming ourselves with knowledge isn’t just an intellectual exercise; it’s an act of resistance. This collection of books, documentaries, and resources is a toolkit for recognizing the warning signs of authoritarianism, understanding its mechanics, and, most importantly, pushing back before it’s too late. These aren’t just stories from the past—they’re urgent calls to action for our present and future.
Lisa Hayes is a life coach, coach trainer, author, and editor of Confluence Daily. She specializes in social, social justice, political issues, and mental health. Her work has appeared in publications like Huffington Post and Real Simple. She is also the Communications Director for a local fire department in Mexico. You can find Lisa at www.lisamhayes.com or www.thecoachingguild.com.
