Fascism is a complex and often misunderstood political ideology. To truly understand “what is a fascist,” we must explore its core tenets and historical manifestations. Fascists adhere to a specific set of beliefs and practices that distinguish them from other political groups.
Extreme Nationalism and Racial Supremacy
A key characteristic of fascism is extreme nationalism. Fascist leaders believe in the superiority of certain groups of people based on characteristics such as race, religion, ethnicity, and nationality. This belief often leads to the persecution and marginalization of minority groups.
Hitler and his Nazi Party exemplify this with their concept of Aryan racial superiority. This ideology culminated in the Holocaust, a systematic campaign of murder and persecution against groups deemed “inferior.” The Holocaust resulted in the deaths of at least eleven million people, including six million European Jews, five million Roma people, gay people, and people with disabilities. This horrific event is a stark reminder of the dangers of extreme nationalism and racial supremacy.
Cult of Personality and Propaganda
Fascist regimes cultivate a cult of personality around their leaders, portraying them as great figures to be loved and admired. This is achieved through mass media and propaganda. The goal is to create an image of an all-powerful, infallible leader who can solve any problem.
In Italy, Mussolini’s photograph was ubiquitous, and his political party encouraged citizens to purchase Mussolini-themed calendars. Journalists were prohibited from reporting on his age or health issues. He was often photographed posing with animals to project power. Mussolini, or Il Duce (“the leader”), attained a mythical status, further reinforced by claims of divine intervention in his survival of assassination attempts. This cult of personality helps maintain control and suppress dissent.
Popular Mobilization and Control
While both authoritarian and fascist governments are anti-democratic, they differ in their approach to the population. Authoritarian regimes seek to keep the population passive and demobilized. Fascist regimes, however, aim to energize public participation through government-organized channels.
Mussolini and Hitler organized massive rallies to stir up enthusiasm for the country, the party, and the leader. These rallies served as a tool for propaganda and control, reinforcing the fascist ideology and suppressing any opposing viewpoints. This mobilization, however, is tightly controlled by the state, leaving little room for genuine dissent.
The Rise to Power: A Five-Stage Process
Fascist regimes don’t emerge overnight. Robert Paxton, a scholar of fascism, identified five stages through which fascist leaders typically rise to power:
- Initial Foothold: Fascist parties gain a foothold in government through initially democratic means.
- Consolidation of Power: Over time, the party consolidates power, often through manipulation and coercion.
- Elimination of Opposition: Opponents are silenced, and democratic institutions are dismantled.
- Dictatorship Established: A dictatorship is established, with the fascist party controlling all aspects of life.
- Radicalization and War: The regime often embarks on a path of radicalization, leading to war and expansionism.
Understanding these stages is crucial for recognizing and preventing the rise of fascism.
Conclusion
Understanding “what is a fascist” requires examining its core principles: extreme nationalism, racial supremacy, the cult of personality, popular mobilization, and its characteristic path to power. Recognizing these elements is essential for safeguarding democracy and preventing the resurgence of this dangerous ideology. It is important to remember the historical consequences of fascism and to remain vigilant against its modern manifestations.
