Fascism: What is it, where did it come from, and why does it matter today? (Also Me)

Fascism is a term that is often used to describe authoritarian, nationalist, and totalitarian regimes or movements that seek to impose their ideology and values on society. But what exactly is fascism, how did it emerge, what are its main characteristics and varieties, and what are some historical and contemporary examples of fascism? In this blog post, we will try to answer these questions and explore the relevance of fascism in our current political and social context.

The origin and meaning of fascism

The word fascism comes from the Italian word fascia, which means a bundle of rods or sticks. This was a symbol of authority and unity in ancient Rome, and it was adopted by a political movement in Italy in the early 20th century that called itself the National Fascist Party (Partito Nazionale Fascista, or PNF). The leader of this movement was Benito Mussolini, a former socialist who became disillusioned with democracy and Marxism after World War I. Mussolini and his followers believed that Italy needed a strong and charismatic leader who could restore its national glory and create a new Roman Empire. They also opposed communism, liberalism, pacifism, and internationalism, and advocated for a corporatist economic system that would organize society into hierarchical and functional groups. Mussolini came to power in 1922 after a coup d’état known as the March on Rome, and he established a one-party dictatorship that suppressed all opposition and dissent. He also allied himself with Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, forming the Axis Powers that fought against the Allies in World War II.

The characteristics and varieties of fascism

Although fascism originated in Italy, it soon spread to other countries in Europe and beyond, where it took different forms and expressions. However, most fascist regimes or movements shared some common features, such as:

Extreme nationalism and militarism, are often based on racial or ethnic supremacy and expansionism.

Contempt for democracy and human rights, and rejection of pluralism and diversity.

Glorification of violence, war, and sacrifice as means of achieving national or ideological goals.

Belief in a natural social hierarchy the rule of elites, and the subordination of individual interests to the collective good.

Desire to create a homogeneous and organic community or Volksgemeinschaft, that would eliminate class, religious, or cultural differences.

Use of propaganda, censorship, and mass media to manipulate public opinion and mobilize support.

Creation of a cult of personality around the leader, who is seen as infallible and charismatic.

Establishment of a one-party state, a secret police, and a paramilitary force to enforce the leader’s will and eliminate enemies.

Some examples of fascist regimes or movements in history are:

Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, who ruled from 1933 to 1945 and launched World War II and the Holocaust.

Imperial Japan, invaded China and other Asian countries and fought against the Allies in World War II.

Austro-Fascism, which ruled Austria from 1934 to 1938 and banned all other parties.

Brazil’s Integralist Party, which was active from 1932 to 1938 and supported a corporatist state.

Croatia’s Ustase Movement ruled from 1941 to 1945 and committed atrocities against Serbs, Jews, and Roma.

France’s Vichy Regime, which collaborated with Nazi Germany from 1940 to 1944 and enacted anti-Semitic laws.

Greece’s 4th of August Regime, which ruled from 1936 to 1941 suppressed civil liberties and opposition.

Portugal’s National Union, which ruled from 1933 to 1974 and became fascist after 1936.

Spain’s Francoist Regime, which ruled from 1939 to 1975 and emerged from the Spanish Civil War.

Romania’s Iron Guard, which was active from 1927 to 1941 promoted a violent and mystical form of fascism.

The current-day scenario of fascism

After the end of World War II, fascism was largely discredited and defeated, and many fascist parties and movements were banned or dissolved. However, fascism did not disappear completely, and some neo-fascist or post-fascist groups emerged in the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. These groups often adapted to the changing political and social context and adopted new issues and strategies, such as:

Anti-immigration and anti-Islam rhetoric is often fueled by xenophobia and Islamophobia.

Euroscepticism and opposition to the European Union and other forms of international cooperation or integration.

Populism and anti-establishment sentiment often exploited the dissatisfaction and resentment of the masses.

Neo-Nazism and white supremacy, are often expressed through hate crimes, terrorism, and online radicalization.

Revisionism and denialism, often challenge the historical facts and moral lessons of the Holocaust and other atrocities.

Conspiracy theories and alternative facts often spread misinformation and disinformation through social media and other platforms.

Some examples of contemporary fascist or far-right parties or movements are:

The Alternative for Germany (AfD), is the third-largest party in the German parliament and advocates for nationalism, anti-immigration, and anti-Islam policies.

The Brothers of Italy (FdI), is the fourth-largest party in the Italian parliament and has roots in the post-fascist Italian Social Movement (MSI).

The Golden Dawn, which was the third-largest party in the Greek parliament until 2019 and is a neo-Nazi and ultranationalist organization.

The National Front (FN), is the second-largest party in the French parliament and promotes nationalism, anti-immigration, and anti-EU policies.

The Proud Boys is a far-right and neo-fascist group in the United States and Canada that engages in political violence and supports Donald Trump.

The QAnon movement is a conspiracy theory that claims that a secret cabal of satanic pedophiles and cannibals is plotting against Trump and his supporters.

The relevance and importance of fascism today

Fascism is not a relic of the past, but a present and potential threat to democracy, human rights, and peace. The rise of fascism in the 20th century led to some of the most horrific events and crimes in human history, and the resurgence of fascism in the 21st century poses new challenges and dangers to our societies and values. Therefore, it is important to understand what fascism is, where it came from, and why it matters today, and to resist and prevent its spread and influence. As the Nobel laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel said, “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”

Peace Out