On Facism

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Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian, and ultranationalist political ideology that rose to prominence in 20th-century Europe, with its most well-known forms emerging in Italy and Nazi Germany. It is characterized by the supremacy of the nation over the individual, led by a dictatorial leader, with strong regimentation of society and the economy. 

Core principles

While fascism can vary in its application, some consistent characteristics define it: 

• Ultrananationalism: A primary emphasis on extreme nationalism that often comes with a sense of historic mission.
• Totalitarian ambition: The goal is to mobilize society under a single-party state that controls most aspects of national life. Dissent is suppressed, and democratic institutions are dismantled.
• Militarism and violence: It glorifies the military and sees violence as a legitimate and necessary tool for achieving national rejuvenation. It often uses paramilitary forces to intimidate and eliminate political opponents.
• Charismatic leader: A powerful and charismatic leader is considered the embodiment of the national will and has unquestionable authority.
• Hierarchical social structure: Society is seen as a natural hierarchy, with individuals expected to subordinate their personal interests to the collective good of the nation or race.
• Identification of enemies: It relies on the demonization of out-groups, such as ethnic minorities, immigrants, or political opponents, as a unifying cause and a justification for violence.
• Anti-liberalism, anti-communism, and anti-conservatism: It rejects major rival ideologies and positions itself as a “third way”.
• Economic corporatism: It features a planned market economy in which the state has a strong directive role, aiming for national economic self-sufficiency. 

Historical context

Fascist movements first emerged in Italy after World War I, in a climate of economic instability and social unrest. 

• Rise in Italy: In 1919, Benito Mussolini founded the Italian Fasces of Combat, which became the National Fascist Party. Using paramilitary squads known as Blackshirts, Mussolini seized power in 1922 and established the first fascist dictatorship.
• Spread to Germany: Adolf Hitler, inspired by Mussolini’s rise, later adapted fascist ideas to create Nazism in Germany. Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy would become the leading Axis powers in World War II.
• Post-WWII decline: After the Axis powers’ defeat in 1945, fascism was largely discredited. While few parties openly use the label today, neofascist and far-right populist movements with similar ideologies have continued to emerge. 

Modern interpretations

Today, the term “fascism” is often used pejoratively against political opponents. However, some scholars and observers use it to describe certain contemporary movements and trends exhibiting similar traits. 

Examples include:

• Neofascism: Ideologies and movements that include significant elements of fascism and gained traction in various parts of the world after World War II.
• Right-wing populism: Some forms of right-wing populism, particularly those with ultranationalist, authoritarian, and xenophobic elements, have been identified as having similarities to fascist patterns.
• Democratic backsliding: Experts note parallels between the erosion of democratic institutions by some modern leaders and the incremental stages through which historical fascist movements consolidated power.