Understanding Fascism: How It Thrives and What to Watch For

What Is Fascism?

Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian political ideology that seeks to consolidate power under a single ruler or ruling party. It thrives on nationalism, suppression of opposition, and the belief in an all-powerful state that dictates every aspect of life. Fascist regimes often scapegoat marginalized groups, glorify violence, and use propaganda to manipulate the public.

Benito Mussolini, the first fascist dictator, defined fascism as a merger of state and corporate power, emphasizing extreme nationalism and militarization. Historian Robert Paxton describes fascism as:

"A form of political behavior marked by obsessive preoccupation with community decline, humiliation, or victimhood, and by compensatory cults of unity, energy, and purity." (Paxton, The Anatomy of Fascism, 2004)

While fascism is often associated with Nazi Germany and Mussolini's Italy, it is not confined to history. It can—and does—emerge in democratic societies when certain conditions align.

The History of Fascism

Fascism arose in the early 20th century in response to economic instability, social unrest, and national humiliation. The two most infamous examples are:

Italy (1922-1943): Benito Mussolini seized power by exploiting fears of communism, using paramilitary forces to suppress opposition, and centralizing power under his rule.

Germany (1933-1945): Adolf Hitler capitalized on economic collapse and national resentment over the Treaty of Versailles, scapegoating Jews and other minorities to justify his authoritarian policies.

Other fascist movements included Francisco Franco's Spain, António Salazar's Portugal, and the Imperial Rule Assistance Association in Japan. These regimes thrived by presenting themselves as defenders of tradition and national identity.

However, fascism didn’t die with World War II. Its core tactics—propaganda, nationalism, and scapegoating—persist in modern politics.

How Fascism Embeds Itself in Society

Fascism doesn’t appear overnight. It infiltrates slowly, often under the guise of patriotism or national security. Here’s how it embeds itself:

Exploiting Economic and Social Crisis: When people feel desperate—due to unemployment, inflation, or societal change—fascists promise a return to "greatness."

Undermining Democratic Institutions: Attacking the media, judiciary, and electoral systems to weaken checks and balances.

Normalizing Extremism: What was once considered radical becomes mainstream through repetition and desensitization.

Scapegoating Minorities: Blaming immigrants, religious groups, LGBTQ+ individuals, or political opponents for national problems.

Controlling Information: Using propaganda, state-run media, or conspiracy theories to create an alternate reality.

Encouraging Political Violence: Encouraging street violence, paramilitary groups, or demonizing opposition as "enemies of the state."

These tactics allow fascism to thrive without outright declaring itself. By the time it’s fully entrenched, resistance becomes difficult.

The Fragility of Democracy

Democracy is not a given—it must be actively maintained. The fall of democratic nations often follows a pattern:

Erosion of Public Trust: If people lose faith in democratic institutions, they become more willing to accept authoritarian alternatives.

Legislative Power Grabs: Leaders use legal means to consolidate power—often under the guise of national security or economic necessity.

Silencing Opposition: Laws restricting protest, press freedoms, or political dissent are justified as maintaining "stability."

Elections Become Performative: Gerrymandering, voter suppression, or election fraud ensure only one party can win.

Normalization of Autocracy: Over time, authoritarian rule becomes the default, and democracy feels like an unrealistic ideal.

No democracy is immune. Even the United States, often seen as a beacon of democracy, experienced a violent attempt to overturn an election on January 6, 2021. This was a warning sign of how fragile democratic norms can be.

What Do Dictators Look Like?

Contrary to popular belief, dictators don’t always wear military uniforms or give fiery speeches. Many come to power through legal means, using democracy to dismantle democracy. Some warning signs include:

• A cult of personality: The leader is portrayed as the only person who can "save" the country.

• Attacks on the media: Journalists are labeled as "enemies of the people," and independent press is replaced with state-controlled narratives.

• Disregard for the rule of law: Laws are applied selectively, punishing enemies while protecting allies.

• Encouraging violence: Political opponents, minorities, or activists are demonized to justify repression.

• Blurring the line between government and private interests: The leader's family or allies benefit financially from government contracts.

Mussolini, Hitler, Vladimir Putin, and modern leaders like Jair Bolsonaro and Viktor Orbán have all exhibited these traits in different ways.

How Do Fascists Enact Their Policies?

Once in power, fascists act quickly to ensure their dominance. Here’s how they do it:

Emergency Decrees: Using real or manufactured crises to justify authoritarian measures.

Political Purges: Removing opposition leaders, activists, or intellectuals from power.

Legal Manipulation: Changing the constitution, altering election laws, or controlling the courts.

Militarization: Expanding the police and military to suppress dissent.

Cultural and Social Control: Banning books, censoring media, and enforcing rigid social norms.

By the time people realize what’s happening, resistance becomes dangerous or impossible.

What Can We Do?

Fascism thrives on complacency. To resist, we must:

• Educate ourselves: Learn history and recognize patterns.

• Defend democratic institutions: Support free press, fair elections, and an independent judiciary.

• Speak out: Challenge misinformation and authoritarian rhetoric.

• Vote strategically: Prevent extremists from gaining power through democratic means.

• Build coalitions: Work across political and social divides to protect democracy.

History has shown that fascism can rise anywhere, even in democratic nations. But it can also be stopped—if people recognize the signs and take action.

Conclusion

Fascism is not a relic of the past. It is a political strategy that resurfaces when societies are vulnerable. Understanding its history, warning signs, and tactics is essential to preserving democracy. The choice between authoritarianism and democracy is not made in a single moment—it is shaped by everyday actions, conversations, and choices.

Will we learn from history, or will we repeat it?

Sources:

• Paxton, Robert O. The Anatomy of Fascism. Knopf, 2004.

• Stanley, Jason. How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them. Random House, 2018.

• Snyder, Timothy. On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century. Tim Duggan Books, 2017.

• Arendt, Hannah. The Origins of Totalitarianism. Harcourt, 1951.