Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian, and ultranationalist political ideology defined by a dictatorial leader, the forced suppression of opposition, and the supremacy of the nation or race over the individual. It first emerged in early 20th-century Europe and is most famously associated with Benito Mussolini’s Italy and Adolf Hitler’s Germany.
Key characteristics of fascism:
Although no single definition fully encompasses the ideology, scholars have identified several core characteristics:
- Ultranationalism: Fascist ideology prioritizes the nation and its people above all else, often promoting a mythic vision of national rebirth from a state of perceived decay.
- Authoritarianism and a cult of personality: Power is concentrated in the hands of a single dictatorial leader, often seen as a charismatic figure who embodies the national will. The leader’s authority is absolute and unquestionable.
- Militarism and political violence: Fascism glorifies military strength and views violence as a legitimate and often necessary tool for political change and national rejuvenation. Fascist movements frequently use paramilitary groups to intimidate and attack opponents.
- Suppression of opposition: Fascist regimes use censorship, secret police, and organized terror to forcibly suppress any political dissent or criticism. Free and fair elections are manipulated or eliminated.
- Emphasis on hierarchy: Fascism believes in a natural social hierarchy where individuals and their interests are subordinated to the state and the elite. This often comes with an obsession with order and discipline.
- Hostility to other ideologies: Fascism is fundamentally anti-communist, anti-liberal, and anti-democratic. It actively opposes ideologies that promote individualism, class conflict, or internationalism.
- Scapegoating and xenophobia: Fascist movements cultivate an “in-group versus out-group” dynamic, demonizing minority groups, immigrants, and political opponents to divert public anger and unify the populace. German Nazism is the most extreme example, with its genocidal racism.
Historical examples:
- Benito Mussolini’s Italy: As the originator of the term, Mussolini’s National Fascist Party took power in 1922 and established the first fascist state. His regime emphasized national rebirth based on the glories of the Roman Empire and used paramilitary Blackshirts to consolidate power.
- Adolf Hitler’s Germany: The Nazi Party, an offshoot of fascism, came to power in 1933. While sharing core fascist traits, Nazism was more heavily rooted in biological racism and antisemitism, leading to the Holocaust and aggressive imperialist expansion.
- Francisco Franco’s Spain: After the Spanish Civil War, Franco’s military dictatorship, which incorporated many fascist elements from the Falange party, ruled Spain until the 1970s.
Is fascism a historical or modern phenomenon?
While most scholars view fascism as a phenomenon specific to the period between World Wars I and II, its core characteristics and tactics can reappear in modern political movements. These contemporary groups are sometimes referred to as “neo fascist” or “post-fascist”. In today’s political discourse, the term “fascist” is often used pejoratively, and contemporary movements rarely label themselves as such due to its negative historical association.
