The Signs of Fascism

Nationalism

One of the most immediate signs of fascism is a hyperbolic, emotionally charged nationalism. Fascist movements elevate the nation to a mythical status, portraying it as the pinnacle of civilization and purity. National identity is emphasized as superior, and the “nation” becomes almost sacred.

This form of nationalism is not merely pride in one’s country; it is a militant, exclusionary form that justifies xenophobia, imperialism, and aggression. In Nazi Germany, this took the form of “Aryan” supremacy; in Fascist Italy, it included ideas of Roman revivalism and colonial conquest.

Disdain for Human Rights

Fascist regimes typically dismiss the concept of universal human rights. Rights are conditional, granted by the state to the “worthy” and stripped from the “undeserving.” This disdain often manifests in:

• Arbitrary arrests
• Torture
• Censorship
• Mass surveillance

These violations are justified under the guise of national security or racial purification. Anyone opposing the regime or not fitting the ideal citizen profile may be excluded from legal protections.

Identification of Enemies and Scapegoats

To galvanize public support, fascist regimes create a common enemy. These scapegoats—whether ethnic, religious, or political—are blamed for the nation’s problems. Jews in Nazi Germany, communists in Francoist Spain, or socialists in Fascist Italy were labeled as threats.

This constant vilification fosters unity among the in-group while legitimizing state violence against the out-group. Propaganda becomes a key tool in painting these groups as existential threats.

Rampant Sexism

Fascist regimes generally promote rigid gender roles and patriarchal authority. Women are relegated to domestic roles as mothers and caretakers, seen as bearers of the next generation of national citizens. Feminism and LGBTQ+ rights are usually suppressed as threats to social order.

In Nazi Germany, for example, women were awarded medals for bearing multiple children, while gay people were persecuted and sent to concentration camps.

Obsession with National Security

Fear is a powerful tool in fascist politics. Governments use the threat of external or internal enemies to justify invasive security measures. Citizens are encouraged to report on one another, and surveillance becomes normalized.

In Nazi Germany, the Gestapo had vast powers to investigate, arrest, and eliminate perceived threats. In Fascist Italy, a secret police force known as the OVRA performed similar functions.

Religion and Government Intertwined

Fascist regimes co-opt religion to validate their authority. Religious symbols, rituals, and leaders are used to sanctify political power. Opposing the regime can be framed as heretical, not just unpatriotic.

Franco’s Spain, for instance, had strong ties to the Catholic Church, which helped legitimize the regime’s authoritarian rule.

Protection of Corporate Power

Fascist regimes often ally with industrial and corporate elites. While fascism is opposed to both socialism and liberal capitalism, it permits private enterprise—so long as it serves the national interest. Workers’ rights are suppressed, and unions are banned or absorbed into state-controlled entities.

This arrangement creates a mutually beneficial relationship where business leaders support the regime in exchange for favorable policies and labor control.

Suppression of Labor Power

Independent labor movements are seen as subversive and are quickly dismantled. Strikes are outlawed, and dissenting workers are often arrested or disappeared. The state may create “corporatist” unions that appear to represent labor but are controlled by the regime.

This consolidation ensures economic stability for elites while eliminating worker resistance.

Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts

Anti-intellectualism is a key feature of fascism. Scholars, artists and educators who challenge the status quo are targeted. Complex or critical ideas are dismissed as unpatriotic, and culture is co-opted to serve state propaganda.

Book burnings, banned publications and purged academic institutions are common in fascist regimes. Art must glorify the nation, the leader, or traditional values.

Obsession with Crime and Punishment

Fascist regimes tend to implement draconian legal systems that favor punishment over rehabilitation. Prisons are filled with political prisoners, and public executions or harsh sentencing serve as deterrents.

Law enforcement is militarized, and judicial independence is usually non-existent. The regime decides guilt or innocence based on loyalty, not justice.

Rampant Cronyism and Corruption

Because power is concentrated and unchecked, fascist regimes are rife with cronyism. Leadership positions are filled based on loyalty rather than competence. Corruption is overlooked if it benefits the regime.

In Hitler’s Germany and Mussolini’s Italy, friends and loyalists were rewarded with lucrative posts, regardless of qualifications. This often led to economic mismanagement and inefficiency.

Fraudulent Elections

Fascist regimes may hold elections, but they are neither free nor fair. Opposition parties are banned or heavily restricted, voters are intimidated and ballot counting is manipulated. The illusion of democracy is maintained while the outcomes are predetermined.

In some cases, fascist leaders seize power entirely without electoral legitimacy, using coups, emergency decrees or political violence.

The Role of Charismatic Leadership

A central figure often unites fascist movements: the charismatic, authoritarian leader. This leader is portrayed as the embodiment of the nation’s will, a messiah-like figure who alone can restore greatness. Criticism of the leader becomes tantamount to treason.

Whether Mussolini’s dramatic speeches or Hitler’s emotional rallies, the fascist leader cultivates a cult of personality that discourages dissent and encourages blind loyalty.

Today [MAGA]

Warning signs in contemporary politics include:

• Attacks on the press
• Demonization of immigrants and minorities
• Undermining of judicial independence
• Militarization of police
• Efforts to delegitimize elections

Resist

A vigilant citizenry, an independent press, a strong civil society and democratic institutions are the best defenses against fascism. Learning from history is not enough—we must actively apply those lessons in the present to protect the future.