In
this classic work of political philosophy, Arendt traces the roots of
the totalitarian regimes of the early twentieth century (the book was
originally published in 1951, I read an expanded edition published in
1962), primarily Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. The use of the plural
is significant - the author does not oversimplify, but relates the
evolution of totalitarian tendencies through bureaucratization,
imperialism, pan-racial movements, anti-semitism, and other factors.
This is not an analysis of the development of Marxist or fascist
ideologies, but rather the trends that made those ideologies acceptable
and even attractive to twentieth century Europeans. The specifics of
ideology, in Arendt's estimation, are merely cover for individualistic
alienation and the nihilistic will to power of the masses.
The scope and variety of the ideas Arendt is dealing with
command admiration. This is a subtle social analysis which demands
close reading and rewards rereading.
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