Jason Stanley on Fascism

Leading expert on fascism Jason Stanley examines how authoritarian regimes manipulate history and civil liberties – revealing the global tactics threatening democracy today.

Legal residents sent to foreign prisons without due process. Students detained after voicing their opinions. Federal judges threatened with impeachment for ruling against government priorities. All this and more prompted Jason Stanley, bestselling author of How Fascism Works, to relocate from the United States to Canada earlier this year in protest of the Trump administration's attacks on civil liberties.

At this special event, Stanley takes the stage in Melbourne to discuss the global crisis of authoritarianism, and how the politics of history is being weaponised to erode critical inquiry, fracture pluralism and lay the groundwork for totalitarianism, even – and most troublingly – in celebrated strongholds of democracy.

Drawing on extensive case studies and philosophical insight, Stanley joins Sarah Schwartz to lift the curtain on the tactics employed time and again by those seeking absolute power – and how the people can safeguard the future of democratic freedom.

Share

Upcoming events

alice-ref-1220x732.jpg

Alice in Wonderland

Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 02 Jan 2026 - 18 Jan 2026
Icon / Small / Location Created with Sketch. The Capitol

Join Alice on her amazing journey through Wonderland and experience an adventure like no other.

lucas-ref-1220x732.jpg

Lucas: Why I Hate Human?

Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 16 Jan 2026
Icon / Small / Location Created with Sketch. The Capitol

Malaysian Chinese comedian Lucas presents a fearless 70‑minute special dissecting modern life: politics, privacy, war, relationships and our hidden biases, with sharp wit and tender humanity. Expect provocative insights, big laughs and audience reflection. Strict late‑entry, no recording, and content confidentiality apply.

ballet-button-capitols-ref-1220x732.jpg

Ballet of Lights: Cinderella in a Sparkling Show

Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 23 Jan 2026 - 16 May 2026
Icon / Small / Location Created with Sketch. The Capitol

After captivating audiences worldwide with Peter Pan, Ballet of Lights presents Cinderella! This classic fairy tale is reimagined in a ballet show where dancers shine in glow-in-the-dark costumes. Get your tickets for Ballet of Lights: Cinderella in a Sparkling Show in Melbourne!

Load more
aboriginal flag float-start torres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures