Professor Marci Shore, an expert on Eastern European history and fascism, has moved from Yale University in the United States to the University of Toronto in Canada. Alongside fellow scholars Timothy Snyder and Jason Stanley, Shore’s decision gained international attention because of their concerns about the political direction of the US under Donald Trump. Shore draws parallels between the rise of fascism in 1930s Germany and current developments in America, warning that the lesson of 1933 is to leave before authoritarianism takes hold. She criticizes the complacency of relying on democratic checks and balances, arguing that no system is immune to collapse. Shore’s fears have intensified following recent events such as military displays and aggressive responses to protests, which she sees as reminiscent of fascist tactics. Her historical perspective also draws on Russian neo-totalitarianism to explain Trump’s blatant and shameless political style. Despite feeling guilty for leaving, Shore cites concerns for her family’s safety and doubts about her own physical courage in the face of potential violence. She highlights America’s high levels of gun violence and social atomization as factors that could lead to civil conflict. Shore’s move reflects a deep anxiety about the US’s future, emphasizing that the country’s political trajectory is more dangerous now than in previous years, especially after Trump’s re-election. Though she does not rule out returning, she stresses that history shows what is possible, not what is certain.
Original title: Why a professor of fascism left the US: ‘The lesson of 1933 is – you get out’
The AI system has determined that this news is not clickbait/sensationalist: The original title accurately reflects the article's content by directly quoting the professor's warning and does not exaggerate or sensationalize the situation; it sets a serious tone about the risk of authoritarianism based on historical lessons. This has coincided with the opinion of the majority of users.
