Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian, and ultranationalist political ideology and movement characterized by several defining features:
- It centers on a dictatorial leader and a centralized autocratic government.
- It promotes extreme nationalism, often coupled with militarism and the belief in a natural social hierarchy.
- Fascism involves forcible suppression of opposition and strong regimentation of society and the economy.
- It subordinates individual interests to the perceived good of the nation or race.
- Fascist regimes often advocate for a totalitarian one-party state and a dirigiste economy aimed at national self-sufficiency (autarky).
- The ideology is opposed to democracy, Marxism, liberalism, socialism, and pluralism.
- Fascism frequently includes a cult of personality around the leader and uses mass mobilization and propaganda to generate enthusiasm.
- It often involves an ingroup-outgroup dynamic, with bigotry and persecution of marginalized groups, as seen in Nazi Germany's racial policies.
- Fascism views violence, including political and imperialist violence, as a means to national rejuvenation and power.
Historically, fascism rose in early 20th-century Europe, notably in Mussolini's Italy and Hitler's Germany, and has been associated with regimes that committed mass atrocities during World War II. Since then, the term is often used pejoratively, though neo-fascist movements exist today
. In summary, fascism is an authoritarian nationalist ideology that enforces strict social order through a dictatorial regime, suppresses dissent, and promotes the supremacy of a particular national or ethnic group often through violent means
