FASCISM

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Fascism is an authoritarian political ideology and system of governance that emphasizes dictatorial power, extreme nationalism, suppression of political dissent, and the centralization of authority. Fascism is characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural social hierarchy, subordination of individual interests for the perceived interest of the nation or race, and strong regimentation of society and the economy. Fascists often advocate for the establishment of a totalitarian one-party state, and for a dirigiste economy (a market economy in which the state plays a strong directive role through market interventions), with the principal goal of achieving autarky (national economic self-sufficiency).

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Ethymology

The words fascism and fascist have long been associated with the Fascisti of Benito Mussolini and the fasces, the bundle of rods with an ax among them, which the Fascisti used as a symbol of the Italian people united and obedient to the single authority of the state. In Italian, the word fascio (plural fasci) means literally “bundle,” and figuratively “group.”

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Authoritarianism And Dictatorship

Fascism generally centers around the absolute authority of a leader, who is often charismatic and seen as a "savior" of the nation. The leader wields total control over the government and often the military, with few, if any, checks on their power. The government structure is highly centralized, and individual freedoms are sacrificed in favor of order, security, and unity. Political opposition is often brutally suppressed, and dissent is criminalized.

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Totalitarianism

Fascism promotes the establishment of a totalitarian state. It opposes liberal democracy, rejects multi-party systems, and may support a one-party state so that it may synthesize with the nation. Mussolini's The Doctrine of Fascism (1932), partly ghostwritten by philosopher Giovanni Gentile, who Mussolini described as "the philosopher of Fascism", states: "The Fascist conception of the State is all-embracing; outside of it no human or spiritual values can exist, much less have value. Thus understood, Fascism is totalitarian, and the Fascist State—a synthesis and a unit inclusive of all values—interprets, develops, and potentiates the whole life of a people".

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Fascist states pursued policies of social indoctrination through propaganda in education and the media, and regulation of the production of educational and media materials. Education was designed to glorify the fascist movement and inform students of its historical and political importance to the nation. It attempted to purge ideas that were not consistent with the beliefs of the fascist movement and to teach students to be obedient to the state.

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Militarism

Fascist regimes often glorify military strength and the military’s role in society. The state may encourage or even mandate military service, and the military itself often becomes an extension of the state’s power, playing a key role in maintaining order and exerting influence.

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Concentration Of Power

In a tyrannical system, power is typically centralized in the hands of one individual or a small group. The ruler(s) do not face legal or political constraints on their authority, often ruling through decrees, edicts, or absolute command. This concentration of power contrasts with democratic or republic systems where power is distributed and checks and balances exist to prevent one person or group from becoming too dominant. The ruling party’s word becomes law, and there is little to no separation of powers — the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, if they exist at all, are often controlled by the tyrant or their loyalists.

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Suppression Of Political Dissent

Fascist states are characterized by the suppression or outright elimination of political opposition. Political parties, trade unions, and other civil society organizations that challenge the regime are banned, and their leaders are often persecuted, imprisoned, or executed.

Propaganda is also heavily employed to control the narrative and maintain the regime's power. The state often controls the media, promotes state-approved messages, and creates a cult of personality around the leader.

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Censorship And Propaganda

Tyrants often control the flow of information through censorship and propaganda. The media may be state-controlled, and all forms of public discourse are carefully monitored. Tyrants typically present themselves as the protector of the nation, using state-run propaganda to cultivate loyalty among the people and maintain their grip on power. Censorship ensures that only favorable views are allowed, while dissenting opinions are suppressed. Any form of criticism or alternative narrative is often branded as "dangerous," "traitorous," or "seditious."

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Corporatism And State-Controlled Economy

Fascism often promotes a corporatist economic system, where major industries, trade unions, and corporations are organized into state-controlled or state-directed "corporations." This system is meant to eliminate class conflict by ensuring that workers, employers, and the state work together for the national good. However, in practice, it usually means that the state tightly controls the economy and allows large corporations to thrive under its direction, benefiting the regime and its supporters. Fascist economies typically blend elements of capitalism with centralized, state-guided control.

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Lack Of Accountability

Tyranny thrives when there are no mechanisms in place to hold the ruler accountable for their actions. There may be no free press, independent judiciary, or legislative opposition to question or challenge the leader’s decisions. Without accountability, leaders can make decisions that benefit themselves or their supporters, regardless of how harmful or unjust those decisions might be for the general population. This unchecked power allows the tyrant to act with impunity, often resulting in widespread corruption and abuse of power.

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Corruption And Inequality

Tyrannical regimes are often marked by widespread corruption. Since the ruler and their inner circle are not held accountable, they can exploit state resources for their own gain, leading to inequality and injustice. This corruption often exacerbates social and economic problems, creating a society where the elites grow wealthier and more powerful while the general population suffers.

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Violence And Intimidation

Fascist movements and regimes often employ violence as a tool of political control. This violence is typically used against political opponents, ethnic or religious minorities, and anyone seen as a threat to the fascist vision. This may include state-sponsored terrorism, assassination, imprisonment, and torture.

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Repression And Fear

Tyrannical governments often rely on fear and intimidation to maintain control. Political opposition, protests, and any form of dissent are met with harsh consequences — imprisonment, torture, exile, or even execution. The ruler may use secret police, military force, or paramilitary groups to keep the population in line. Tyranny breeds a climate of fear, where people are afraid to speak out against the regime or even to criticize it in private. This repression can extend to civil liberties, such as freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to a fair trial.

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Use of Violence And Coercion

Tyrants frequently resort to violence to maintain their rule. This can include:

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• Military repression: Using the military or paramilitary groups to quell uprisings, protests, or dissent.

• Mass executions: Political opponents, dissidents, or minority groups may be executed en masse as a way to instill fear.

• Torture and imprisonment: Dissenters are often imprisoned, tortured, or forced into hard labor camps.

 

These violent tactics ensure that the tyrant’s rule remains unchallenged by creating an atmosphere of fear and submission.

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Suppression Of Civil Liberties

In a tyrannical state, individual freedoms and civil liberties are either severely restricted or completely eliminated. This can include restrictions on:

• Freedom of expression: The right to speak, write, and express opinions freely is stifled.

• Freedom of assembly: People are prevented from organizing protests, forming opposition parties, or even gathering for political discourse.

• Freedom of religion: The government may control or suppress religious practices, often imposing a single, state-sanctioned ideology or belief system.

 

In some cases, the tyrant may impose arbitrary laws or orders that violate fundamental human rights, making it difficult or impossible for people to live their lives with dignity or freedom.

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Cult Of Personality

Fascist leaders often present themselves as the embodiment of the nation’s will, and their authority is unquestioned. Through propaganda, they are glorified as strong, decisive figures who can solve the country's problems and restore national greatness. This cult of personality helps to solidify the leader's power, making them appear as the only legitimate and capable leader for the nation, while dehumanizing and marginalizing political enemies or dissenters.

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Despotism and Arbitrary Rule

Tyranny often involves despotism, where the ruler acts without regard for law, morality, or justice. The tyrant is free to make arbitrary decisions that affect the lives of citizens, often changing laws at will or ignoring the rule of law entirely. Justice is not impartial; instead, it is manipulated to serve the interests of the ruler and their allies. This arbitrary rule can manifest in the form of:

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• Unjust laws that are selectively enforced.

• Imprisonment or punishment without due process or fair trial.

• Exploitation of resources and people for the benefit of the ruling elite.

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Destruction Of Institutions

Tyrants often undermine or destroy existing institutions that can challenge their authority, including the judiciary, legislative bodies, political parties, and civil society organizations. By dismantling these checks on their power, they ensure that no independent institution can stand in the way of their rule. This destruction of institutions often leads to the erosion of the social contract, which is the understanding that both rulers and citizens have obligations toward one another. When the institutions that ensure fairness, justice, and the rule of law are weakened or destroyed, tyranny becomes entrenche

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Exploitation Of Societal Divisions

Many tyrants exploit divisions within society, such as ethnic, religious, or economic differences, to solidify their power. They may create or deepen divisions to divide and conquer their subjects, turning people against each other and ensuring they remain loyal to the ruler out of fear or distrust of others. This tactic can take the form of scapegoating, where certain groups are blamed for the nation’s problems and are persecuted as a result.

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