Ruth Ben-Ghiat
Professor of History and Italian Studies, NYU

Ruth Ben-Ghiat is a virtual guest at Crosscut Festival 2022. She is a Professor of History and Italian Studies at New York University and writes frequently for CNN and other media outlets on threats to democracy around the world. Her latest book, Strongmen: From Mussolini to the Present, examines how illiberal leaders use corruption, violence, propaganda and machismo to stay in power, and how resistance to them has unfolded.
When: 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 4.
Where: This is a free virtual event. RSVP now.
Find more details about this event below.
Scheduled Appearances
Are Authoritarians Winning?
Russian President Vladimir Putin rattled the Western world with his shocking invasion of Ukraine, and authoritarianism appears on the rise around the globe. Meanwhile, threats to democracy feel just as real right here at home. WATCH NOW




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About the Festival
The Crosscut Ideas Festival is a celebration of big ideas and a gathering for bold thinkers. Newsmakers, changemakers and innovators come together to take a fresh look at the biggest issues of our time. Over one week, the Crosscut Ideas Festival hosts fireside conversations and panels, meetups, art installations, workshops, and interactive experiences.
