How to Lose a Country

There was a debate over the subtitle that I received as "The 7 Steps from Democracy to Dictatorship"  The preferred last word was "Fascism", but it was too apt at the time.  An e book version has changed to use Fascism.

What does the author Ece mean by Fascism?  In a 2024 interview she explains that it is more than "authoritarianism".  When journalists and politicians are severely restricted.   She had been fired herself in 2012 for writing articles critical of the government.  Recep Tayyip Erdogan has used religion as a weapon to enforce his views.

Written in 2019 after Trump had been in power over two years she was critical of his efforts and we notice parallels of similar roads since Trump has been re-elected. 

The government changed slowly.  Erdogan had created a movement that promised to end Turkish corruption.  His strength came from small villages. He was able to identify enemies of the people and have them thrown in prison.

 Ece explains "People's desire for a cause is the authoritarian's confidently told story."  The masses are looking for a strong leader.  Over time he was able to consolidate his power and gain control over media. Protesters and journalists found themselves legally restricted.  Ece found herself unable to visit dissidents in prison.

She noted that Fascist governments stick together using fear and hate. Too many nations are headed to Fascism that Ece wrote this book as a warning. Progressive countries need to work together.  A quote from a 2024 interview;  "...that what we imagine for the world require love and acceptance and humility most of all."

Another perspective on Fascism:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2018/10/fascism-warning-form-madeleine-albright.html

As I read the book I am also watching a television serial, "Graveyard" set in Turkey and released this past year.  Remarkably the main character is a woman and her main goal is to deal with femicide that is a serious problem in Turkey where ideally women are homemakers.  It has the usual violence and mystery expected of such shows, but also depicts women as subordinates.  The main female character is very capable often undercutting superiors, but often has an uphill battle.  To me it represents some rebellion against social and political reality while being entertainment.