Fascism definition and characteristics and kinds.
Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian, ultra-nationalist political ideology and system of government that emphasizes dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy.
🔹 Definition of Fascism
Fascism is a political ideology characterized by authoritarian nationalism, where the state is exalted above individual rights, and power is centralized under a dictatorial leader. It seeks to create a unified, regimented society often through militarism, suppression of dissent, and propaganda.
🔹 Core Characteristics of Fascism
Here are the major traits commonly found in fascist regimes or ideologies:
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Authoritarian Leadership
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A single leader holds absolute power.
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Power is centralized and unchecked.
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Ultra-Nationalism
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Glorification of the nation or race.
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Belief in national or ethnic superiority.
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Suppression of Opposition
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Censorship and control of media.
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Elimination or silencing of political opponents, dissenters, or minorities.
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Militarism
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Strong emphasis on military strength and discipline.
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War and conflict are seen as tools for national rejuvenation.
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Propaganda and Mass Mobilization
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Use of state-controlled media to spread ideology.
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Mass rallies and symbols (e.g., uniforms, salutes).
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Anti-Democracy and Anti-Communism
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Rejection of liberal democracy, pluralism, and Marxism.
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Belief in a hierarchical, ordered society.
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Corporatism
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The state controls or coordinates business and labor groups.
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Economic activity serves state interests, not individual or market freedom.
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Traditionalism and Anti-Modernism
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Emphasis on returning to a mythic past or “golden age.”
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Often against modern art, liberal ideas, feminism, and intellectualism.
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🔹 Types (or Variants) of Fascism
While fascism is not a single unified doctrine, there are different expressions or forms, often based on national context:
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Italian Fascism (Benito Mussolini)
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The original form of fascism (1922–1943).
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Emphasized corporatism, nationalism, and loyalty to the state.
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Nazism (German Fascism under Hitler)
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A racialized variant of fascism.
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Introduced biological racism and anti-Semitism.
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Sought Aryan racial purity and Lebensraum (living space).
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Francoism (Spain under Franco)
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Nationalist, Catholic, and anti-communist.
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Emphasized traditional values, monarchy, and Spanish unity.
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Japanese Militarism (1930s–1945)
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Military-controlled state with emperor worship.
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Emphasized loyalty, discipline, and imperial expansion.
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Clerical Fascism
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Fascism combined with religious (especially Catholic) ideology.
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Examples: Croatia’s Ustaše, parts of Portugal under Salazar.
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🔹 Modern Neo-Fascism
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Neo-fascism refers to post–World War II movements that retain fascist elements but adapt to modern democratic contexts (e.g., far-right populist movements, white nationalism).
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These may avoid explicit fascist labels but often use:
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Xenophobia
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Anti-immigration stances
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Strongman politics
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Conspiratorial thinking
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Summary Table:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Ideology | Far-right authoritarian nationalism |
| Leadership | Dictatorship (charismatic leader) |
| Opposition | Suppressed or eliminated |
| Economy | State-controlled corporatism |
| Values | Tradition, unity, militarism, anti-liberalism |
| Examples | Mussolini’s Italy, Hitler’s Germany, Franco’s Spain |
posted by Md. Ziaur Rahman, BBA, MBA, FCA, LLB running @ August 06, 2025 0 Comments
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