This work investigates the divergent approaches to the Holocaust taken by German and Italian fascist forces during the Second World War. Jonathan Steinberg, a historian specializing in modern European history, utilizes archival records and military documentation to analyze the ideological foundations of the Axis powers. He argues that the distinct political structures and cultural attitudes within the German and Italian regimes led to fundamentally different outcomes for Jewish populations under their respective control.

Historians frequently cite this text as a critical contribution to the comparative study of Axis war crimes. Experts note the clarity of the author's argument regarding the institutional differences between the two fascist regimes.