Bruce Livesey, a contributor and documentary creator, leads a discussion featuring experts like political scientist Catherine Fieschi and far-right terrorism specialist Matthew Feldman. They delve into the resurgence of fascism and its troubling implications for modern politics. Insights from Robert Reich connect American dynamics to historical fascism, while Vladislav Inazemtsev critiques Putin’s regime. The conversation highlights how societal crises can elevate far-right movements globally, raising alarm about the fragility of democracy in today's landscape.
The resurgence of fascist ideologies today mirrors historical movements by exploiting societal crises and economic turmoil for political gains.
Debates on the definition of fascism complicate understanding its modern manifestations, with experts highlighting core traits like authoritarianism and hyper-nationalism.
Deep dives
The Emergence of Contemporary Fascism
Fascism is experiencing a resurgence in various parts of the world, with particular emphasis on Europe and the United States. Experts highlight the similarities between modern far-right movements and historical fascist regimes from the 1920s and 1930s, noting their exploitation of societal crises to garner support. The podcast discusses how economic turmoil, social discontent, and cultural shifts are creating fertile ground for extremist ideologies to thrive. Examples such as Bolsonaro's support in Brazil and the far-right parties gaining traction in several European nations illustrate this alarming trend.
Defining Fascism: A Complex Debate
There is an ongoing debate among scholars regarding the precise definition of fascism, contributing to confusion about its presence in the modern political landscape. Some scholars assert that unless a country resembles the Italy or Germany of the early 20th century, it cannot be classified as fascist, while others adopt a broader perspective. This ambiguity makes it challenging to determine if contemporary movements in countries like Russia and the United States fit the fascist label. However, many experts agree on the core characteristics of fascism, including authoritarianism, hyper-nationalism, and the cultivation of a cult-like leader.
The Historical Roots of Fascism
The origins of fascism are traced back to the aftermath of World War I, where disillusioned soldiers and citizens turned to extremist solutions to their societal woes. Mussolini's rise to power is highlighted as a response to the economic and social turmoil in post-war Italy, showcasing how nationalism intertwined with socialist ideas to form a new political ideology. The podcast explains that early fascism primarily targeted leftist movements and did not initially adopt anti-Semitic policies, a contrast to later developments under Hitler's regime. This historical context is crucial to understanding how fascistic ideologies evolved and adapted over time.
Parallels Between Past and Present Political Dynamics
The podcast draws parallels between the socio-economic conditions of the early 20th century and today's political climate, emphasizing the potential for authoritarian movements to capitalize on widespread disillusionment. In the U.S., the rise of Donald Trump showcases how populist rhetoric can resonate deeply with those feeling marginalized by political elites. Historical contexts of economic depression leading to the Nazis' rise in Germany echo in current sentiments where voters feel abandoned by mainstream political parties. This discourse suggests that contemporary nationalism and populist strategies share troubling similarities with historical fascism, raising concerns for the future stability of democratic societies.
An ideology that emerged with catastrophic consequences 100 years ago, has become a rising political force globally. With the possible re-election of Donald Trump as U.S. president, some observers believe that if he were to win again, a fascist would be inhabiting the most powerful political post in the world. IDEAS examines the ideology of fascism — and why it poses such a danger now.
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