The Origins of Totalitarianism

How does Arendt contrast race-thinking with racism? How does this align with or differ from modern thinking about racism?

Throughout the book, Arendt explores key qualifiers of totalitarian movements, totalitarian rulers, and imperialism. What modern examples of these qualifiers can be found? What are/will be the consequences of these modern examples?

What role does power play in Arendt’s work and in the rise of totalitarianism? What is the chief reason for the pursuit of power?

How do totalitarian governments maintain power after they have taken control of the nations they occupy? Is this power sustainable? Why or why not?

What can be done to ensure totalitarian movements are not successful again? What can we learn from the history Arendt outlines about how and why totalitarian movements achieve their aims?

Throughout the book, Arendt references Stalin and Hitler as examples of totalitarian leaders. Compare and contrast their use of power.

What led to the rise of imperialism? How is our modern global economy different from or like the imperialism described by Arendt?

Arendt refutes four arguments for the relationship between antisemitism and totalitarian movements. Look at these arguments more closely and analyze logical fallacies in the four outlined arguments.