A Definition of 'Fascism'
Domain: Politics
Context: Political and economic frameworks
'Fascism' is a philosophy of governance that advocates a dictatorship of the extreme right. Historically, this was accomplished through the merger of state and business leadership. It frequently also has featured militaristic nationalism with strong territorial ambitions; and racism, sexism, and appeals to "tradition" are commonly encountered. Fascism originated historically with the Italian dictatorship of Benito Mussolini (1922 - 1943). The etymology of the term may be traced to the Latin term 'fascina', meaning 'bundle'.
The related term 'neo-fascism' simply refers to contemporary manifestations of fascism.
Clear definitions of 'fascism' have been hard to arrive at. Kevin Passmore's "Fascism: A Very Short Introduction" devotes an entire chapter to the attempt to distill one, yet concludes weakly "I cannot make exaggerated claims for this definition. . . . I can only suggest that this definition is the best available for the specific purpose of this little book . . . ."
Fascism has usually been characterized as an "ideology", but neither Mussolini, nor Hitler, who adoped Mussolini's approach for his own purposes, were intellectuals or manifested any notable interest in ideas for their own sake. Hitler's "Mein Kampf" is a haphazard conglomeration of ideas with little internal relationship. It has recently become clear that the term is much better understood as the expression of the temperament of a particular type of personality, that of the "dark triad" or "dark tetrad".
Dark triads are psychopathic, lacking in empathy; Machiavellian, and prone to manipulate others for their own purposes; and narcissistic, selfish, and endowed with a grandiose sense of self-importance. In addition to all of these traits, dark tetrads are further characterized by sadistic tendencies, and by the enjoyment of the suffering and misery of others for its own sake.
The inability to feel any empathy for others in any way different from oneself is at the very core of xenophobia (and hence nationalism), sexism, and racism. This inability also paves the way for both sadism and Machiavellianism; and in combination all of these tendencies pave the way to authoritarianism. This is why we can find elements of fascism in virtually every society, irrespective of the nominal ideological commitments of that society. Thus Donald Trump, an American, Putin, a Russian, and Xi, who is Chinese, are all best characterized as neo-fascists and dark tetrads.
The group of characteristics manifested by dark triads and dark tetrads is highly inheritable genetically. This is almost certainly why we find class warfare in virtually all societies throughout history.
Related Concepts at EP
Democracy grew out of class warfare in Ancient Greece. See the definition here. As the most empathic of the frameworks of governance, democratic socialism has always been detested by dark triads. The selfishness and self-centeredness of dark triads are central to their tendencies to both oligarchy and plutocracy, and also central to their opposition to most forms of populism.
