Fascism typically is exhibited through a combination of political, social, and economic instability, often feeding off of conditions of fear and disillusionment within the population. It arises as a reaction to perceived threats, whether internal or external like foreign competition. In the face of instability, fascist ideologies essentially “promise” strong, centralized leadership, national renewal, and the restoration of order and pride, often through authoritarian methods. Fascism can be seen in both post-World War I European contexts and the broader conditions of the early 20th century, where many nations were grappling with the failures of liberal democracies, economic hardships, and the aftermath of war. Similarly today, fascism can arise from similar frustrations, particularly when certain movements manipulate nationalistic, anti-immigrant, or anti-globalization sentiments. In order for a society to be deemed fascist, there are certain characteristics that must be present. First, there is the presence of a tyrannical-like leader, a captivating figure who promises to restore national greatness and embodies the will of the people. Second, fascist regimes typically tend to reject the ideas of democratic institutions, prohibit political opposition, and reduce civil liberties. This reduction can take place in various forms, including violence, propaganda, surveillance, and legal restrictions on political participation. Next, fascism is fairly nationalistic and exclusionary, with the identity of the nation being defined by race, ethnicity, or culture, which often leads to the persecution of minorities. Finally, fascist movements also emphasize militarization, with the state often using force to achieve political goals.
Fascism appeals to people and societies during times of uncertainty, economic instability, or perceived national decline. Fascism’s promises of strength, order, and renewal match particularly with those who feel alienated or powerless, targeting marginalized groups. Fascist movements exploit fears of loss, whether it’s loss of status, cultural identity, or security, and provide a victim for societal problems. These victims typically end up being minority groups, foreigners, or political enemies of the nation. In some way, fascism offers a clear, simple solution to complex issues. This appeal to a return to "greatness" can be compelling, especially when the current political system appears to be ineffective or corrupt.
Neo-fascist movements and regimes are becoming increasingly visible in the current political landscape. While completely fascist governments are rare today, elements of fascist ideology can be seen in the policies of various political leaders and movements across the globe. In Europe, far-right parties and leaders in countries like Hungary, Poland, and Italy have embraced nationalist, anti-immigrant, and authoritarian ideas, replacing democratic norms, undermining judicial independence, and suppressing objection. Hungary, under the control of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has seen increased centralization of power and the weakening of political freedoms, mirroring some fascist tendencies. Similarly, Italy's right-wing government, led by Giorgia Meloni, has drawn comparisons to fascist regimes due to its nationalist and restrictive policies. The rise of anti-democratic and populist ideas in the U.S. during and after the Trump presidency, as well as attempts to undermine the electoral system and the normalization of political violence, have also raised concerns about the emergence of neo-fascism. In the New York Times article With Trump’s Victory, Europe’s Populist Right Sees Return of a Fellow Believer by Andrew Higgins, it is stated; "Mr. Orban... gambled and he won. The election of Mr. Trump 'definitely puts wind in the sails of Europe’s populist right.” This further reflects the increasing popularity of neo-fascist ideologies “putting wind in the sails”, due to these comparable aspects, such as increasing populism and anti-democratic ideas, to previous fascist societies. These movements all share common themes, such as a glorified vision of the past, anti-elitism, and the reordering of society according to a strict nationalistic view. While these movements don’t always conform to historical fascism, the overlap of ideas and the erosion of democratic norms play a significant role. Neo-fascism will evolve in response to specific national contexts, but its core reasoning is rooted in a desire for national strength, social unity, and the rejection of liberal democratic principles. In this way, societies experiencing a neo-fascist period exhibit characteristics similar to those of fascist regimes of the past, however in a more modern context. The problem would however be if the incremental erosion of democratic institutions continued and the normalization of authoritarian practices became more relevant, which could potentially lead to a broader shift toward a more overtly fascist society.
