I recently came across an interesting interview with historian Timothy Ryback in Pragmaticus. He’s just published a book about how Hitler came to power, and the conversation digs into some striking similarities between Hitler and Trump, as well as the recent rise of populist parties across Europe.
One thing that really caught my attention was how Hitler often used humor in his speeches, especially when speaking in rural areas. It wasn’t just about politics — he knew people appreciated being entertained. That’s something we see today too: politicians who mix serious messages with a bit of showmanship.
Another parallel is the way established media pushed back against Hitler and the Nazis, much like how mainstream outlets often challenge populist groups like the AfD nowadays. In response, Hitler’s team got creative, using alternative ways to reach people. For example, he sometimes gave up to five speeches in a single day, which was only possible because the Nazi party chartered a plane to get him from place to place quickly.
It’s fascinating, yet unsettling, to see how history echoes current events. If you want to dig deeper, you can read the full interview here.