Will ‘wannabe fascists’ undermine democracy?

What do Trump, Bolsonaro, and Modi have in common? According to historian Federico Finchelstein (New School), they are ‘wannabe fascists’. They embrace fascist elements such as propaganda and political violence, but have (so far) failed to fully undermine democracy. Are fascism and democracy compatible? What warning signs mark the path from populism to fascism? Also featuring philosopher Hannah McHugh (Utrecht), who will examine the future being promised by wannabe fascists, the moral values that underpin it, and where meaningful democratic resistance might still be found.

This is part of a series on alternative visions for neoliberal capitalism; a partnership between the Visions for the Future Project and Studium Generale. The event will take place at Academiegebouw (Aula) and it will also be livestreamed.

For more information: https://www.sg.uu.nl/agenda/2026/are-populists-turning-fascists