What is Fascism?

According to dictionary. com: a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism.

According to the Britannica dictionary: Fascism : a way of organizing a society in which a government ruled by a dictator controls the lives of the people and in which people are not allowed to disagree with the government.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary: Fascism : a populist political philosophy, movement, or regime (such as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual, that is associated with a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, and that is characterized by severe economic and social regimentation and by forcible suppression of opposition

According to Cambridge University dictionary: a political system based on a very powerful leader, state control, and being extremely proud of country and race, and in which political opposition is not allowed.

These are the 14 defining traits of Fascism: (Adapted from scholars like Umberto Eco, Hannah Arendt, and others)

1. Powerful and Continuous Nationalism • Constant use of patriotic symbols, slogans, flags, and imagery. • Framing dissent as “unpatriotic” or “anti-national.”

2. Disdain for Human Rights • Gradual normalization of human rights violations “for security” or “the greater good.” • Groups of people are dehumanized or blamed for society’s problems.

3. Identification of Enemies or Scapegoats • Minority groups, immigrants, or political opponents are portrayed as threats. • Complex issues are oversimplified into “us vs. them” narratives.

4. Supremacy of the Military or Police • Excessive glorification of the military or law enforcement. • Expanding state power through surveillance, policing, or militarization.

5. Rampant Sexism • Reinforcement of rigid gender roles and control over reproductive rights. • Marginalization of feminism and gender equality movements.

6. Controlled Mass Media • Attacks on journalists and labeling independent media as “fake news.” • Propaganda and state-influenced narratives dominate the information space.

7. Obsession with National Security • Fear is used as a political tool to justify authoritarian policies.

8. Religion and Government Intertwined • Political leaders use religion to justify their rule or policies. • Religious conformity is promoted as a sign of loyalty.

9. Corporate Power Protected • A close alliance forms between the state and major corporations. • Economic inequality grows, but dissent about it is suppressed.

10. Labor Power Suppressed • Unions are weakened or dismantled. • Workers’ rights are portrayed as anti-business or disloyal.

11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts • Education, science, and the arts are censored or discredited. • Anti-intellectualism becomes a cultural norm.

12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment • Harsh penalties and “law and order” rhetoric dominate public discourse. • Compassion or rehabilitation is replaced by punishment and fear.

13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption • The ruling class rewards loyalty over competence. • Leaders are protected from accountability.

14. Fraudulent Elections • Voter suppression, disinformation, or manipulation of electoral systems. • The illusion of democracy remains, but outcomes are predetermined.