Introduction
Fascist ideologies are mostly abstract and intangible, appealing to emotion rather than to the intellect. It echoes mythical pasts and evokes nationalistic pride and historical grievances. It appeals to a majoritarian identity, which must find an antagonist, foreign or domestic, to project as an existential threat to that identity. This cult of tradition does not require an examination of history or the existence of a past to instil fear or angst. Fascist regimes might often try to mimic democratic processes to maintain a facade of legitimacy. But every regime rooted in fascism showcases distinct tells that cannot be obscured. These include factors like control of media, suppression of dissent, and a one-party system exposing the authoritarian reality underneath the engineered facade.
Divergences between Historical and Modern Fascism
Unlike the overtly expansionist aims of historical fascist powers, modern fascist movements might focus on a more inward-looking nationalism, emphasising ethnic purity or cultural preservation as justifications for policies that restrict immigration or limit social freedoms.
Circumstances such as populism, economic anxieties, and social divisions create ideal opportunities for fascist ideologues. They use populist rhetoric to present themselves as defenders of the "forgotten people" against outsiders. Although complete control over the media has always been a key fascist trait, neo-fascist leaders recognise the power of social media and the internet.
These tools allow them to spread propaganda, disinformation and hate speech more effectively than authoritarians of the past. They use these platforms to manipulate the narrative and target specific demographics. Modern-day fascism readily embraces technology and even glorifies it. At the same time, it rejects modernism and the spirit of scientific inquiry.
The “racial purity” obsession of historical fascism is less prominent today in several totalitarian states as they focus on cultural nationalism instead. They emphasise a particular national identity and demonise those seen as different. Another prominent divergence between modern and historical fascist parties is that the erosion begins from within. Modern democracies are more susceptible to fascist elements rising from within the existing political system. Politicians with fascist leanings often exploit legal loopholes and democratic processes to propel themselves to power. The specific characteristics can vary depending on the context. However, these changes highlight how fascism has adapted to the 21st century.
From exploiting national anxieties to weakening democratic institutions, fascism seems to have enduring chapters. Examining the past, numerous characteristics are seen in both the Weimar Republic and some countries in the 21st century. Neo-fascists exert authoritarian control to wield absolute power and dictate actions. They have little regard for fundamental human rights and rampantly promote intolerance and discrimination against people with different backgrounds, beliefs, or customs.
Political scientist Dr Lawrence Britt in his article ("Fascism Anyone?, " Free Inquiry, Spring 2003) studied the fascist regimes of Hitler (Germany), Mussolini (Italy), Franco (Spain), Suharto (Indonesia), and Pinochet (Chile). Dr Britt found they all had 14 elements [1] in common.
This article examines modern-day regimes with eroding democratic norms, studying the cases of China, Bangladesh, the United States of America and Russia.
RUSSIA
Ruscism or simply Russian fascism[2], is the ideology that forms the backbone of the decades-long dictatorial rule of President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. The term was coined to describe Russian ultranationalism in Chechnya and Georgia in the late 1990s. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 is seen as a prime example of Ruscism. Russia's stated goals of "de-Nazification" and "regaining control" of Ukraine have been widely condemned as false pretences for an imperialistic land grab. Out of the 14 characteristics listed by Britt, the Russian government checks a disturbingly high number of boxes.
Source: Reuters// Alexei Navalny
Numerous independent media outlets have been shut down or heavily restricted in Russia, effectively suppressing any form of dissent. This includes Radio Echo of Moscow, Dozhd TV, and the newspaper Novaya Gazeta. These outlets were critical of the government and provided alternative viewpoints. [3] The Russian government has cracked down on domestic opposition in recent years, jailing political opponents, shutting down independent media outlets, and restricting freedom of speech. As seen in the case of Alexei Navalny, a prominent opposition leader and anti-corruption activist, Navalny was poisoned in 2020 and jailed upon his return to Russia in 2021. He received a hefty prison sentence on what many consider to be wildly trumped-up charges, and his anti-corruption foundation was labelled "extremist," leading to its eventual demise[4].
Additionally, policies restricting immigration based on ethnicity or religion, coupled with crackdowns on peaceful protests, are hallmarks of a narrowing democratic space. Ruscism includes belief in Russia's right to reclaim the lost territories of the erstwhile Soviet Union and exert its dominance over its neighbours. Harrowing examples of this characteristic include Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its unilateral attack on the territory of Ukraine.
There is an indomitable cult of personality surrounding Vladimir Putin. He is portrayed as a strong and decisive leader who has restored Russia's greatness. A former KGB asset turned astute politician and statesman, he provokes rampant nationalism, another crucial characteristic in Dr Britt’s list. He aims to reinvigorate Russian patriotism by constructing a contemporary national identity centred on the Soviet Union's part in defeating Nazi Germany. Although WWII had long been crucial in shaping the national psyche, under Putin, it would become even more significant, emerging as a pivotal moment in Russian history.
Russians are encouraged to take pride in being part of a "victor nation" rather than feeling ashamed of their Soviet past. They are directed to focus on the honourable heroics of the Soviet war effort instead of dwelling on the millions of innocent victims killed during the Stalin era. In Putin's Russia, questioning the sanctity of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany is seen as a grave offence.
The glorification of the Soviet experience during the Second World War has gained immense popularity among the Russian public. Over the last two decades, it has developed into a quasi-religious movement with its terminology, traditions, monuments, and sacred observances. In 2020, it even saw the construction of its cathedral.
The kleptocratic Putin regime has leveraged this victory cult to project an illusion of ideological dedication to combating fascism. In keeping with this anti-fascist stance, critics of the current Russian authorities are regularly labelled as fascists and Nazis. As Winston Churchill warned "The fascists of the future will call themselves anti-fascists"
BANGLADESH
Many aspects of Britt's list can also apply to Bangladesh. The world has noted that the Awami League frequently employs slogans and other nationalistic symbols. They manipulate the celebrated history of Bangladesh's liberation war to promote intense nationalism, and hatred and sow discord.[6]
Bangladesh's ruling Sheikh Hasina regime has been in power since 2009, winning rigged elections in 2008, 2014, and 2018. These elections were secured by suppressing the opposition and manipulating the voting process with the assistance of the police and military. The outcomes, marked by landslide victories, were invariably predetermined. The Economist on February 11, 2021, published a report titled “Bangladesh’s Government Lavishes Money on the Army” and highlighted how the regime ensures the army's loyalty by funnelling hundreds of millions of dollars into army welfare trusts, granting significant pay raises, and offering officers various perks such as land and cars [7].
Similarly, on 5 February 2021, the Al Jazeera TV network broadcasted a program titled ‘All the Prime Minister’s Men. It revealed the involvement of the army chief in shielding his brothers from accountability, facilitating money laundering for business ventures abroad, and purchasing Israeli equipment for Bangladesh under the guise of UN procurement [8].
Source: Al Jazeera Investigative Unit // The Al Jazeera TV network program titled ‘All the Prime Minister’s Men
The leadership also uses the identification of enemies (often scapegoats) as a unifying cause. Hasina's political party utilises the media to incite a sense of unified patriotic fervour among the general populace by emphasising the need to eradicate perceived common threats or enemies. This often involves labelling opponents as Rajakars, Pakistanis, adversaries of Bangladeshi independence, or members of groups such as Jamaat-e-Islami or its student wing, Shibir. World-famous economist and Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus has been labelled as “The enemy of Bangladesh '' by Hasina. She considers him her opponent and a threat to her regime[9].
Moreover, government regulation and sympathetic media spokespeople and executives control Bangladeshi news media. Censorship of the media is rampant. Infamous Digital Security Act was used to arrest hundreds of dissident journalists, bloggers, cartoonists and writers, who were tortured and killed while in police custody[10].
CHINA
Virtually all of the listed characteristics are present in China. The country has established a surveillance state, particularly evident in Xinjiang, where advanced facial recognition technology, extensive data collection, and movement restrictions have been implemented. This environment fosters a climate of fear and suppresses dissent[11].
In Xinjiang, a border region that is home to China's predominantly Muslim Uighur minority, authorities have been implementing an "alert project" since early 2017. This system notifies authorities when designated individuals stray more than 300 metres from their homes or workplaces, contributing to the region's transformation into a high-tech police state[12]. Critics argue that this surveillance and control system violates human rights and imposes strict constraints on the freedom of movement for the Uighur population.
China is also an ideal example of a state where religion and government are intertwined as is evident by the monastery crackdowns in Tibet [13]. The Chinese government has implemented a strict regime of control over Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, citing concerns about “Tibetan independence movements”. This crackdown restricts traditional religious practices that have been limited or banned in some monasteries. This might include restrictions on prayer rituals, festivals, or the possession of religious texts. The Chinese government may appoint officials to oversee monastery administration. These officials can influence the selection of monks, control finances, and dictate religious activities.
Source: Human Rights Watch // Young Tibetan Monks protesting against discrimination
Larung Gar and Yachen Gar were once massive Buddhist institutes housing thousands of monks and nuns. In 2016, the government began a large-scale demolition project, destroying many hermitages and expelling residents [14].
In 2020, following a self-immolation protest by a monk, authorities raided Kirti Monastery. Hundreds of monks were reportedly detained and subjected to "re-education programs" [15].
The famous Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The Chinese government forbids the veneration of the Dalai Lama within Tibet, widely perceived by Tibetans as a crushing blow to their religious liberty[16]. In some cases, monasteries deemed problematic by the government might be shut down entirely.
There's a crucial caveat to consider when discussing issues in Xinjiang and Tibet: restricted access to independent information. The Chinese government maintains a tight grip on domestic media outlets. News stories are censored to align with the government's narrative. This means information critical of government policies in Xinjiang and Tibet is unlikely to be reported, while also adding to the characteristics that suggest China is under a fascist leadership.
Foreign journalists face hurdles in obtaining visas and permits to travel to these regions. Even if they gain access, their movement within is often heavily controlled by the government. The government also operates a sophisticated system of internet censorship known as the Great Firewall to restrict access to foreign websites and social media platforms [17].
USA
Notably, the United States exhibits many characteristics of a fascist nation. Numerous analyses of Donald Trump, the 45th president of the United States, have argued that his 'MAGA' or 'Make America Great Again' campaign poses a greater danger and aligns more closely with fascist ideologies than any other campaign in history, even including that of Henry Ford [18] [19] [20].
Source: The Times of Israel// Henry Ford receives a medal of appreciation from Nazi Germany for his work in the U.S. to spread anti-Semitic views
While the nation has strong totalitarian agendas at its core, the MAGA Republicans are the most concerned. The significant distinction in the current political landscape is that, for the first time in U.S. history, fascists have gained control over one of the two major political parties—the Republican Party. This development has raised concerns about the direction of the party and its potential impact on democratic norms and institutions in the country.
One must understand that democracy and fascism aren't binary. A country can exhibit some fascist characteristics without being a full-blown fascist state.
Rampant sexism is another characteristic mentioned by Britt that points towards a fascist society.
The rise of sexism in the USA is evident in numerous cases challenging women's reproductive rights such as Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022). The Supreme Court reversed the landmark 1973 case resulting in abortion bans or restrictions in many states. This shift disproportionately affects low-income women and those in rural areas.
With the government shielding corporate power, suppressing labour rights, and emphasising military dominance, the U.S. aligns with 8 out of 14 characteristics of a fascist state.
Conclusion
The historical fascist regimes of Hitler, Mussolini, and Franco provide a clear template for identifying fascist characteristics. However, fascism has adapted to the 21st century. This analysis demonstrates that seemingly democratic nations can exhibit fascist tendencies, highlighting the need for vigilance.
We examined four countries – Russia, Bangladesh, China, and the United States; through the lens of Dr Lawrence Britt's fourteen characteristics of fascism. The chilling similarities between these countries and historical fascist regimes raise serious concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the rise of authoritarian leadership.
All four countries cultivate a strong sense of nationalism, often intertwined with historical narratives or cultural purity. They may identify external enemies or internal minorities to bolster national unity. Media outlets are subject to government censorship or control, promoting a specific narrative and suppressing critical voices. Propaganda is used to glorify the government and demonise its opponents. National security concerns are used to justify limitations on civil liberties and increased surveillance.
While the relationship between religion and the state varies, some countries might emphasise a dominant religion to promote social control. Others may restrict religious practices deemed a threat to the government. Human rights concerns are downplayed, particularly free speech, assembly, and religion. Crackdowns on dissent and tight control over media restrict individual freedoms. Elections may be manipulated through voter intimidation, restrictions on opposition parties, or media control, hindering a genuine democratic process.
By examining these features, we gain a deeper understanding of how democratic states can exhibit authoritarian tendencies. While the United States may not be a complete fascist state, the rise of the MAGA movement within the Republican Party signifies a worrying trend. It underscores the importance of critically evaluating political rhetoric and actions to identify and resist fascist tendencies before they solidify.
Elie Wiesel's powerful words: "We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented."
Neutrality is not a haven; it's the space that allows the oppressor to wield their power unchecked. Silence is not neutrality. Wiesel's quote serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of inaction. We must actively engage with situations of injustice. We must be the voice that speaks truth to power, the hand that extends in solidarity, and the force that resists oppression. In the face of injustice, silence is not an option. We must choose a side, and that must always be the side of the oppressed.
Article by,
Kashish Jogani