Niall Ferguson's "The War of the World" examines the pervasive influence of Nazi rhetoric in Europe, particularly among conservative groups. These individuals often viewed the German threat as relatively small compared to the greater menace posed by Soviet communism. This perspective led them to overlook the horrors of Nazism, viewing it instead as a necessary evil in the fight against a more significant ideological foe.

This alignment with Nazi ideology was motivated by a strategic choice, where the urgency of combating communism overshadowed concerns about the moral implications of supporting or tolerating Nazi actions. As a result, many conservatives rationalized their stance, believing that any cooperation with the Nazis was preferable to the spread of Soviet ideals, reinforcing a troubling historical narrative.