Understanding Fascism and its Misuse

In this podcast episode, James Patterson discusses the misapplication of the term fascism and its association with conservatism in the United States. He explains that fascism is a specific type of badness characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with decline, a cult of unity and purity, collaboration with traditional elites, and a rejection of liberty in favor of violence or coercion by the state. However, American conservatism, particularly the new right, has little overlap with these criteria. Patterson argues that labeling all conservatism as fascist is an attempt to associate it with something bad, but it fails to recognize the unique aspects of American conservatism focused on free markets, self-government, and opposition to totalitarianism. He cautions against the lack of a limiting principle within the new right, as it often embraces a state of emergency mentality and is willing to abandon constitutional orders. Patterson highlights the importance of understanding the historical context and nuances of fascism when engaging in conversations about politics.