What if Mussolini has been judged wrongly ? By comparing him to Hitler Mussolini comes across as a blustering buffoon mostly unsuccessful fascist dictator.
Bosworth argues that Mussolini should be regarded not as a totalitarian, fascist dictator but more as authoritarian populist ,spouting aggressive content.
As proof for this theory the author looks at the leadership style of Mussolini, his social policie , his imperialist policy, his ideology, and his association with Hitler.
Bosworth concludes that Mussolini, who for 10 years enjoyed international support if not admiration, falls short in many areas. Neither did his type of fascism result in philosophy nor did it achieve real revolutionary change, his imperialistic adventures were relatively modest and much more a great power play. Even his prosecutions and racial policies were rather limited.
However, after the rise of Hitler and Mussolini lack of success in many areas led to a shift towards more grandiose gestures combined with aggressive words. Bosworth shows this shift especially in the anti-Semitic policies which Mussolini, who before had not believed in the purity of races, suddenly implemented.
This book is not an easy read, it assumes familiarity which Mussolini's policies and thorough knowledge about the context of the times. While I do not always agree with the argument the author brings forward I gained insights on how far Mussolini’s policies were a continuation from previous, liberal governments and what motivated Mussolini, even if support lacked at times.
This book draws the conclusion at the end that after 1935 what mattered most for Mussolini was not party, nor ideology but his own person and hanging on to power thus his words became the main ‘tool of deception'. No wonder that Bannon and Trump admire him.

An absolutely fascinating account of Mussolini's fascism and its impact on later populism. Told with great flare and panache.

I absolutely relished reading this incredible book!
Finally, a comprehensive and utterly fascinating study of the birth of populism in Italy and Mussolini's efforts to cunningly & successfully use it to build his political empire and radically change the Italian political landscape and bring about a total and complete transformation of Italy's society.
A well research and very detailed account easily accessible to anyone interested by Italian politics during the two world conflicts. Simply brilliant 👍👏

Many thanks to Netgalley and Yale University for this terrific ARC