The work of diplomacy is subtle, but the actions of world leaders are sometimes the opposite. Famed American diplomat Madeleine Albright confronts the dangers of undiplomatic and undemocratic political trends in her new book “Fascism: A Warning.”
The book explores the history of fascism, and the current state of the public’s faith in politics, the media and even science. While making clear she is not calling him a fascist, she calls out President Trump as one of the leaders who undermines public confidence in democracy.
Albright and her co-author Bill Woodward write about how fascism begins with “a seemingly minor character,” someone who claims to be the only person who can fix a country’s problems.
In this conversation, Albright touches on her origins as a refugee, how she became a diplomat, Vladimir Putin, the North Korea situation, and of course, the pins — one of her signature diplomatic tools.
Albright was the first woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State. Seattle Arts & Lectures presented her talk with Mark Suzman of the Gates Foundation on Tuesday, April 24 at The Paramount Theatre. KUOW’s Jennie Cecil Moore recorded the conversation.
Listen to the full version below:
