'Dylan Riley's intelligent study succeeds in opening fresh perspectives. His book ought to be read by everyone interested in fascism.' --Robert O. Paxton, New Left Review
'Fascism did not arise from weak civil societies, but rather from the inability of the ruling elites to establish political hegemony. It filled this discrepancy, creating new forms of authoritarian power based on the social premises of modern democracy: on its 'civic foundations.' This is the argument of this highly original book in which, navigating with ease between political theory and historical research, Dylan Riley fruitfully questions the subjacent assumptions of standard interpretations of fascism. His creative use of Toquevillean and Gramscian concepts is fascinating and his arguments are compelling. A must-read in the field of fascism studies.' - --Enzo Traverso, author of Fire and Blood: The European Civil War 1914-1945
