This urgent book outlines how fascism has returned to Western Democracies - and how we can stop it

'This book is a distress signal. Rosan Smits makes it crystal clear how fascism is being normalized at alarming speed. Think it can't happen in Western Democracies? Then read this book - because it already is' -- Rutger Bregman, author of 'Moral Ambition' and 'Humankind'


Fascism is back. This time no swastikas, Nazi flags, or deadly bureaucracy, but MAGA hats, right-wing extremist memes, and a triumphant fist held high. For the first time in modern history, far right parties in some European countries have won a larger share of the votes than the Conservatives and the Social Democrats.

Fascism hollows out democracies from within. It starts with language, not tanks. With democratic elections, not a coup.

But how do fascists mobilise citizens? How has fascism become normalised in Europe again? And how do we stop it?


'A masterful and chilling dissection of the modern ideology of hate' -- Paul Mason, author of 'How to Stop Fascism'

'An excellent read' -- Timothy Snyder, author of 'On Tyranny'

'Few journalists address the major issues of our time. Rosan Smits does. She explains clearly and convincingly what fascism is and why we need to use the word now. A necessary book' -- Simon Kuper

'This book is a mirror. And we would be foolish not to look' -- Carice van Houten

Details

ISBN13: 9781805466567
Format: Paperback / softback
Number of Pages: 192
Edition: Main
Publication Date: 08 Sep 2026
Publisher: Atlantic Books
Publication City, Country: London, United Kingdom
Dimensions (cm): 19.8(H)x12.9(L)
Weight (gm):

Author Biography

Rosan Smits is a political scientist and has conducted research on radicalization and violence in war zones for many years. She led the Conflict Research Unit at the Netherlands Institute of International Relations. Since 2017, she has been deputy editor-in-chief of De Correspondent.

Reviews

'Brilliant' -- Alastair Campbell on The Rest Is Politics
'This book is a distress signal. Rosan Smits makes it crystal clear how fascism is being normalized at alarming speed. Think it can't happen in Western democracies? Then read this book - because it already is' -- Rutger Bregman, author of 'Moral Ambition' and 'Humankind'
'A masterful and chilling dissection of the modern ideology of hate' -- Paul Mason, author of 'How to Stop Fascism'
'After a decade of debate about the nature of the global far right, Rosan Smits amasses the evidence and the competing analyses to produce a definitive judgment: THIS IS FASCISM. A necessary read to understand the challenge we face now from the xenophobic ideology destroying democracies across the west. We cannot act unless we know what we face and with this work Rosan Smits has settled that question' -- Jason Stanley, author of the New York Times-bestselling 'How Fascism Works'
'An excellent read' -- Timothy Snyder, author of 'On Tyranny'
'Few journalists address the major issues of our time. Rosan Smits does. She explains clearly and convincingly what fascism is and why we need to use the word now. A necessary book' -- Simon Kuper
'This book is a mirror. And we would be foolish not to look' -- Carice van Houten