History professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat warns that Donald Trump is repeating a fatal error common among authoritarian leaders throughout history. In a New York Times guest essay, Ben-Ghiat argues the president is falling victim to what she terms "autocratic backfire" - a phenomenon where leaders become isolated from reality and expert advice.

Ben-Ghiat, author of _Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present_, identifies a dangerous pattern where authoritarian figures cut themselves off from objective feedback and promulgate unscrutinized policies. This leads to policy failures that cause leaders to double down on riskier behavior, ultimately resulting in disillusioned populations that lose faith in their leadership.

The NYU professor draws parallels between Trump and historical figures like Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and Vladimir Putin, noting how self-aggrandizing rhetoric and isolation from dissenting voices have historically led to political downfall. She specifically highlights how Trump's bombastic self-praise echoes fascist slogans from Mussolini's Italy.

Ben-Ghiat's analysis comes amid declining approval ratings for the president, suggesting his leadership style may be contributing to growing public dissatisfaction. Her warning underscores the potential consequences of authoritarian tendencies in democratic systems and the historical patterns that often precede political decline.

Quick Fact: Ruth Ben-Ghiat is a professor of history at New York University.