Donald Trump's 'scorn' for democracy has emboldened blossoming fascist movements across the globe, former Sec. of State Madeleine Albright warned in a New York times op-ed published on Sunday.

'Fascism — and the tendencies that lead toward fascism — pose a more serious threat now than at any time since the end of World War II,' the former senior diplomat writes in the piece, titled 'Will We Stop Trump Before It's Too Late?'

Albright argues that since Trump assumed the presidency in January 2017, he has enabled 'nativist and extreme right-wing movements' to grow around the globe, along with despotic leaders who disregard freedom and democracy.

Albright argues that since Trump assumed the presidency in January 2017, he has emboldened 'nativist and extreme right-wing movements' around the world

'The possibility that fascism will be accorded a fresh chance to strut around the world stage is enhanced by the volatile presidency of Donald Trump,' she writes.

'Instead of standing up for the values of a free society, Mr. Trump's oft-vented scorn for democracy's building blocks has strengthened the hands of dictators.'

Fascism rose in popularity shortly after the the end of World War One with strongmen like Italian leader Benito Mussolini (Pictured)

What is Fascism? Fascism rose in popularity shortly after the the end of World War One, where a badly bruised European continent struggled to recover economically in the years after the conflict. The conditions led to emergence of political strongmen like Italian leader Benito Mussolini, who pioneered Italian fascism- defined by authoritarian nationalism, dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition and control of industry and commerce. Advertisement

The former Clinton administration official adds: 'No longer need they fear United States criticism regarding human rights or civil liberties. On the contrary, they can and do point to Mr. Trump's own words to justify their repressive actions.'

Trump has been repeatedly accused of cozying up to authoritarian strongmen and dictators since taking office, openly expressing admiration for world leaders like Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Albright also blasts the President for recoiling from numerous multi-national agreements, undermining civic institutions, disregarding human rights abuses while expressing disdain for democratic principles and civil discourse.

Trump has 'attacked the judiciary, ridiculed the media, defended torture, condoned police brutality, urged supporters to rough up hecklers and ... equated mere policy disagreements with treason,' she writes. 'He libels immigrants and the countries from which they come. His words are ... calculated to exacerbate religious, social and racial divisions.'

As a remedy to Trump's destructive policies and decisions, Albright urges defending facts and the free press, respecting the rule of law and building a reenergized populace working for democracy.

'America at its best is a place where people from a multitude of backgrounds work together to safeguard the rights and enrich the lives of all,' she concludes.

'No politician, not even one in the Oval Office, should be allowed to tarnish that dream.'