14 signs of fascism

Until recently, fascism was remembered in our country mainly in connection with the Great Patriotic War, but today this word has returned to our political lexicon. What meaning do we put into it today? How accurately does it reflect current realities? What changes should alert us, what worries social psychologists and everyone who reflects on what is happening in the country and in the world?

After studying the experience of seven fascist regimes – from Hitler to Pinochet, the British political scientist Lawrence Britt formulated their common features. Along with political aspects, they also include social tendencies: nationalism, militarism, sexism. The famous Chilean psychologist and thinker Claudio Naranjo, citing this list in his presentation in the book “Heal Civilization”, notes that fascism, constantly improving, captures the modern world.

It is not just about the loss of freedom, but above all about a certain collective mentality. And here are its signs.

1. Vivid manifestations of nationalism

The ceremonial demonstration of flags, pride in military achievements, calls for national unity against this background are characteristically linked with suspicions of everything foreign and with outbreaks of xenophobia.

2. Contempt for human rights

Human rights were devalued – they hindered the fulfillment of the goals of the ruling elite. By using propaganda, such regimes ensured that the population would acquiesce in human rights violations and socially marginalized and demonized those who were the targets of these violations.

3. Search for scapegoats

One of the most significant common features of the fascist regimes was the search for enemies to blame them for their mistakes, distract the population from other problems and channel social disappointment in a controlled direction. People who opposed received the label of “terrorists” and the corresponding appeal.

4. The dominance of the entire military

The ruling elite has always identified itself with the army. A huge part of the national resources went to military spending, even if it was difficult to meet the country’s domestic needs. For these regimes, military power was an expression of national superiority, and they used it whenever possible to intimidate neighbors and increase their power and prestige of the ruling class.

5. Ubiquitous sexism

Under fascism, women saw second-class citizens; they maintained a firm stance against abortion. This was reflected in the draconian laws, which were supported by the traditional religion of the country.

6. Control over the media

The media under fascism were often under the strict control of the authorities and could not step back from the party line. Control methods included not only issuing permits and access to resources, economic pressure and persistent calls for patriotism, but also threats.

7. National security obsession

The national security apparatus served the fascist regimes as a repressive tool, working in secrecy and without restriction. Moreover, any doubt about his activities was branded as a betrayal.

8. The connection between religion and the ruling class

Propaganda supported the illusion that fascist leaders were advocates of the faith and their opposition atheists. People had the feeling that opposing the power elite was like rebelling against religion.

9. Protection of corporate power

While the private lives of ordinary citizens were under strict control, large companies could operate with relative freedom. Corporations not only guaranteed powerful military production, but also acted as an additional means of social control.

10. Suppression of workers associations

Labor movements were considered a force that could challenge the political hegemony of the ruling class and the entrepreneurs supporting it. Such movements were suppressed and equated with criminal gangs. The poor were looked upon with contempt and suspicion.

11. Contempt for intellectuals and art

It was believed that intellectual and academic freedom threatened national security and patriotic ideals. Freedom of thought and expression was condemned and suppressed.

12. Obsession with crime and punishment

The number of prisoners under fascism was very high, while the police received a heroic reputation and almost unlimited power, which led to numerous abuses. To justify the expansion of the powers of the police, the authorities stimulated fear among the population of criminals, traitors and enemies.

13. Protectionism and corruption

Entrepreneurs close to the authorities used their position to enrich themselves. Corruption developed in both directions: the fascist regime received financial assistance from the economic elite, and that – political services from the government. Members of the power elite often used their position to appropriate national resources.

14. Fraud of election results

Allegedly free elections were, as a rule, fictitious. In real elections, the ruling elites sought to manipulate candidates to get a profitable result.