Fascism is an authoritarian and potentially extremist political ideology that seeks to create a singular national identity through cultivating a sense of “national unity” and advocating for the benefit of one ethnicity or race over another. It is often associated with totalitarianism, meaning absolute control by a single party or entity, and disregard for traditional civil rights, dissent, and other liberties. In this article, we’ll take a closer look to how fascism works and how its principles shape a nation.
What Are the Core Principles of Fascism?
The primary concepts of fascism encompass the notions of national identity, nationalism, and authoritarianism. These ideas are the foundation of fascist governments, providing a basis for social order and control. Here’s a closer look at the core principles of fascism:
• Ultra-nationalism – This is the idea that a nation should have a strong sense of unity and identity, and that it should be defended against those who are perceived to pose a threat to that unity. The term ‘ultra-nationalism’ often suggests a mindset in which an individual’s loyalty is to the national identity before anything else, even at the expense of diversity and personal rights.
• Social Darwinism – Fascism also adopts the principle of social Darwinism, which is the idea that nations are in competition with one another and that in order to survive, a nation must be stronger than its rivals. This means that the nation should preserve its strength by evolving and progressing, while eliminating any foreign or internal threats or opposing forces.
• Authoritarianism – This is a system of governance where control is concentrated within the hands of a single leader or government. Authoritarianism is a caste of fascism that seeks to maintain power through fear, regulation, and restriction. This means that the leader’s word is absolute and cannot be challenged, making opposition or criticism a criminal offense.
• Oppression – This is an extreme form of censorship and repression that seeks to limit the rights of individuals and prevent them from having any real power. Under a fascist government, certain rights, such as freedom of speech, protest, and assembly, will be heavily restricted.
• Racism – Fascism also often comes with an element of racism, wherein one race is viewed as superior to another and has a higher place in society. Racism can manifest in the form of discrimination, segregation, and other forms of dehumanization of “inferior” races, leading to the intolerance and exclusion of minority groups.
• Cult of Personality – Often seen in authoritarian regimes, a Cult of Personality is a phenomenon in which a leader is idolized and idol-worshiped. The leader is glorified as an all-powerful figure and criticism or disloyalty is considered an act of treason.
What Impact Does Fascism Have on Nations?
The effects of fascism on nations cannot be understated, as it can drastically shape a country’s values and politics. Here are some of the biggest impacts that fascist governments have on the nation:
• Severe restrictions on civil liberties – The government has full control over the rights and actions of its citizens, which can include the abolition of certain rights, such as freedom of speech and of the press. In some cases, the government will even go so far as to enact laws that strip away other fundamental rights, such as the right to vote or the right to peaceably assemble.
• Increase in violence – Nations with fascist governments tend to have higher rates of violence, both perpetrated by the government and within society. Physical force is often used to suppress potential opposition, whether it’s dissenters who want to challenge the regime or members of a minority race who may be targeted for oppression.
• Division within society – As fascism seeks to promote a single national identity, any divisions or differences within the country are viewed as threats and are thus discredited or outlawed. Depending on the extent of the government’s power and influence, those who disagree with the regime may face severe consequences.
• Unhealthy economy – A fascist government can put a nation’s economy at risk, as it typically involves large budgets to fund military endeavors or political campaigns, while neglecting other, less flashy programs and initiatives. This can lead to a crippled economy and a greater dependence on outside sources of aid and investment.
When looking at how fascism works and how it affects nations, there are a few questions to keep in mind. How extensive is the government’s control? How does the government’s actions infringe upon the rights and freedoms of its citizens? What level of racism or oppression is present within the nation? How much freedom of expression is there?
Answers to these questions will help to develop a clearer understanding of the specific dynamics of a fascist government and its impacts on the nation. It’s important to consider how a government’s actions either harm or benefit its citizens, as well as how these actions may have far-reaching effects.
