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What constitutes a definition of fascism and fascist governments has been a complicated and highly disputed subject concerning the exact nature of fascism and its core tenets debated amongst historians, political scientists, and other scholars since Benito Mussolini first used the term in 1915.
A significant number of scholars agree that a "fascist regime" is foremost an authoritarian form of government, although not all authoritarian regimes are fascist. Authoritarianism is thus a defining characteristic, but most scholars will say that more distinguishing traits are needed to make an authoritarian regime fascist.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]
Similarly, fascism as an ideology is also hard to define. Originally, it referred to a totalitarian political movement linked with corporatism which existed in Italy from 1922 to 1943 under the leadership of Benito Mussolini. Many scholars use the word "fascism" without capitalization in a more general sense, to refer to an ideology (or group of ideologies) which was influential in many countries at many different times. For this purpose, they have sought to identify what Roger Griffin calls a "fascist minimum"—that is, the minimum conditions that a certain political movement must meet in order to be considered "fascist".[3] According to most scholars of fascism, there are both left and right influences on fascism as a social movement, and fascism, especially once in power, has historically attacked both left, moderate right wing and the opposition in the radical right in order to maintain power.
1920
H. L. Menchken
On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.
Seems being a fascist is a lot like being an alcoholic. The more you deny it, the more you are one, so the only way not to be one is to admit you are one...in which case you are one.
exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition
let's see....nationalism? not so much
Race above individual? Absolutely. ie) they just canceled the womens march for being too white. Criticisms leveled at candidates for not having enough of the right color people.
Centralized govt? Well the left definitely has major national power initiatives like universal healthcare, one-size fits all cost of living nationally minimum wage and so forth.
Dictatorial leader? I'll call that one a tie. Both sides want more presidential power but only when it's their guy in office.
I can continue but if you look down the bullet points from a non-partisan angle, you see how both the far left and far right hit at least some of them.
While I like Merriam, I have to somewhat disagree with that definition. Race was not necessarily linked to fascism. It was Mussolini who coined the word, which came from the Roman 'fasces,' a symbol that consisted of a bundle of sticks with a protruding ax-blade. Italian fascism did not have the same racial focus that German fascism did. There were Jewish members of Mussolini's party.
Part of a series on
Fascism
Fasces
Core tenets[show]
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Ideas[show]
People[show]
Literature[show]
Organizations[show]
History[show]
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Related topics[show]
Fascism portal
Politics portal
vte
What constitutes a definition of fascism and fascist governments has been a complicated and highly disputed subject concerning the exact nature of fascism and its core tenets debated amongst historians, political scientists, and other scholars since Benito Mussolini first used the term in 1915.
A significant number of scholars agree that a "fascist regime" is foremost an authoritarian form of government, although not all authoritarian regimes are fascist. Authoritarianism is thus a defining characteristic, but most scholars will say that more distinguishing traits are needed to make an authoritarian regime fascist.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]
Similarly, fascism as an ideology is also hard to define. Originally, it referred to a totalitarian political movement linked with corporatism which existed in Italy from 1922 to 1943 under the leadership of Benito Mussolini. Many scholars use the word "fascism" without capitalization in a more general sense, to refer to an ideology (or group of ideologies) which was influential in many countries at many different times. For this purpose, they have sought to identify what Roger Griffin calls a "fascist minimum"—that is, the minimum conditions that a certain political movement must meet in order to be considered "fascist".[3] According to most scholars of fascism, there are both left and right influences on fascism as a social movement, and fascism, especially once in power, has historically attacked both left, moderate right wing and the opposition in the radical right in order to maintain power.
It's probably a fool's errand to try to define 'fascism.' As you say, Mussolini coined the term, and if you read his writings you will find a heavy dose of bloviation that defies clear definition.
Orwell said that the word 'fascism' should be stricken from the language. Of course from this very thread, we can see that ain't happening. I think if we just stick to the key elements of Mussolini's programs we'd be better off. Those include a powerful central government, a stifling of individualism, and heavy government regulation of corporations.
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