Fascism is an authoritarian, ultra-nationalist political ideology that gained prominence in early 20th-century Europe (and there were stirrings of it in the U.S. as well). Fascism proclaims a race or ethnicity, or country to be superior to all others. It is dominated by a right-wing party (if other parties are even allowed), and fascist leaders usually approve of extreme measures (including violence) to suppress opposition.
It glorifies military power and seeks to increase the nation’s influence (and sometimes, its territory). Fascist governments allow a form of capitalism with big businesses working with the government for economic control. The state is ultimately in charge of economic directions, and it favors the wealthy and powerful. This style of economics is called corporatism. Generally, fascist states try to suppress labor movements. The leader presents himself or herself as practically infallible, all-wise, and providentially destined to the position and entitled to the power it yields.
Fascism, by definition, isn’t very different from the way we are governed at the moment. We can argue whether we are quite there yet, but it is difficult to deny that we are at least on the way to right-wing, corporatist ideology being dominant in government. Historical examples include Benito Mussolini’s Italy, Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany, and Francisco Franco’s Spain. They came to power by exploiting a sense of national humiliation and economic despair, promising a return to greatness through a strong, unified state.
