How Democracies Die

by

Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt

Benito Mussolini Character Analysis

Benito Mussolini was the Fascist leader of Italy from 1922 to 1943. Much like Hitler, he rose to power when establishment conservatives decided that he could help them inspire voters and unite the country. And as with Hitler, this plan failed—instead of empowering the center-right, it empowered and legitimated Mussolini and his Fascist Party. Mussolini used secret police to dismantle his political opposition, then went on to rule as a dictator for two decades.
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Benito Mussolini Character Timeline in How Democracies Die

The timeline below shows where the character Benito Mussolini appears in How Democracies Die. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 1: Fateful Alliances
Extremism and Gatekeeping Theme Icon
Global and Historical Patterns Theme Icon
In October 1922, Benito Mussolini traveled to Rome to become the premier of Italy. Famously, he visited the king dressed... (full context)
Authoritarianism vs. Democratic Norms Theme Icon
Extremism and Gatekeeping Theme Icon
Global and Historical Patterns Theme Icon
...minister faced economic and political crises in 1921. He organized early elections and allied with Mussolini’s Fascists. Their alliance lost—but it gave the Fascists political legitimacy. (full context)
Extremism and Gatekeeping Theme Icon
Hitler, Mussolini, and Chávez all rose to power by partnering with establishment politicians who didn’t take them... (full context)
Authoritarianism vs. Democratic Norms Theme Icon
Extremism and Gatekeeping Theme Icon
Polarization and Inclusive Democracy Theme Icon
Global and Historical Patterns Theme Icon
To stop wannabe authoritarians, party elites have to identify them first. Hitler, Mussolini, and Chávez declared their ambitions through violence, but many don’t. For instance, Viktor Orbán governed... (full context)