My own summary of this video: The 10 tactics of fascism | Jason Stanley | Big Think
Understanding the Rise of Fascism: Insights from Jason Stanley’s Analysis
In an era marked by political turbulence and societal divisions, understanding the underpinnings of authoritarian ideologies is more crucial than ever. Jason Stanley, a renowned Yale professor and author of How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them, delves deep into the mechanics of fascism, unraveling its strategies and warning signs. His recent video offers a comprehensive exploration of fascism as a political ideology, providing valuable lessons for safeguarding our democracies. This blog post distills the key insights from Stanley’s analysis and contextualizes them within both historical and modern frameworks.
Key Points from Jason Stanley’s Video
1. Cult of the Leader
At the heart of fascism lies the adoration of a charismatic leader who vows to restore national pride in the face of perceived decline. This leader often scapegoats marginalized groups—such as immigrants, leftists, minorities, and women—blaming them for societal woes. By accusing these groups of infiltrating cultural institutions, media, and education, the leader consolidates power by uniting the populace against a common enemy.
2. National Restoration and Ultra-Nationalism
Fascist rhetoric frequently harkens back to a mythologized past where the nation was purportedly superior. This nostalgia is leveraged to fuel ultra-nationalism, with leaders promising to reclaim former glory by addressing internal and external threats. The emphasis on a glorious past serves to galvanize support and justify extreme measures in the name of national unity.
3. Urban vs. Rural Divide
Fascist movements adeptly exploit the tensions between urban and rural populations. Urban centers are depicted as hotbeds of decadence, crime, and foreign influence, while rural areas are idealized as bastions of purity and hardworking virtue. This dichotomy fosters resentment and division, making it easier to mobilize support from specific demographics.
4. Propaganda and Division
Central to fascist strategy is the creation of a polarized “us vs. them” narrative. Through relentless propaganda, fascist leaders portray opponents as existential threats to the nation’s survival. This intentional division not only mobilizes support but also legitimizes authoritarian actions aimed at suppressing dissent and eliminating opposition.
5. Hierarchy and Victimhood
Fascist ideology reinforces rigid social hierarchies, asserting the inherent superiority of certain groups over others. Simultaneously, it cultivates a sense of victimhood among dominant groups, suggesting that movements towards equality threaten their privileged status. This tactic diverts attention from systemic inequalities and redirects frustration towards marginalized communities.
6. Suppression of Truth
A hallmark of fascism is the undermining of objective truth and democratic institutions. Fascist regimes dismiss or suppress expertise, science, and historical facts that challenge their narratives. By controlling information and rewriting history, they erode the public’s ability to make informed decisions, paving the way for unchecked power.
7. Moments to Worry About Fascism
Stanley emphasizes that elements like nationalism or authoritarian tendencies are not inherently fascist. However, when these elements converge—particularly alongside scapegoating and the erosion of democratic norms—society should be vigilant. Recognizing these patterns early is essential to preventing the rise of fascist movements.
Understanding Fascism: A Deeper Dive
Fascism is a far-right authoritarian ideology characterized by extreme nationalism, centralized autocracy, suppression of dissent, militarism, and the subordination of individual freedoms to the perceived collective good. Originating in early 20th-century Europe, fascism gained prominence through leaders like Benito Mussolini in Italy and Adolf Hitler in Germany, whose regimes left indelible marks on history.
Core Characteristics of Fascism
- Authoritarian Leadership: Centralized power in a single leader or party, often maintained through coercion and propaganda.
- Nationalistic Mythology: Glorification of a nation’s past to instill pride and justify current policies.
- Militarism: Emphasis on military strength as a cornerstone of national power and identity.
- Anti-Democratic Values: Rejection of pluralism, liberal democracy, and egalitarian principles in favor of hierarchical governance.
- Scapegoating: Demonization of minorities or political opponents as threats to societal stability.
- Economic Control: State intervention in the economy aimed at achieving self-sufficiency and national strength (autarky).
Historical Examples of Fascism
- Mussolini’s Italy (1922–1943): The first fascist regime focused on nationalism and militaristic expansion, establishing a totalitarian state.
- Nazi Germany (1933–1945): Combined fascism with racial purity doctrines, leading to the Holocaust and World War II.
- Franco’s Spain (1939–1975): An authoritarian regime with fascist elements, emphasizing national unity and traditionalism.
Modern Relevance: Fascism in Today’s World
While classic fascist regimes are relics of the past, the tactics and ideologies they employed are not confined to history books. Fascist strategies can resurface in contemporary democratic societies, especially when leaders exploit fears of national decline or cultural change. Although not all authoritarian movements qualify as fascist, certain patterns—such as the undermining of truth, scapegoating of minorities, and glorification of violence—serve as red flags signaling potential fascist tendencies.
Modern Examples of Fascist Movements
Europe
- France: The National Rally (formerly Front National) has garnered significant support, securing over 25% of the vote in 2014 and increasing its influence in subsequent years. By acting as an “arbiter or censor” of government policies, it has played a pivotal role in shaping national discourse.
- Germany: The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has seen a surge, particularly in eastern states like Thuringia and Saxony, polling around 20% nationally in 2024. Its rhetoric often mirrors fascist themes of nationalism and anti-immigration.
- Hungary: The Jobbik party exhibits fascist tendencies, advocating for nationalist policies and anti-immigrant sentiments.
- Greece: The Golden Dawn party has been noted for its fascist-like ideology, promoting extreme nationalism and xenophobia.
North America
- United States: The MAGA movement, associated with Donald Trump, displays fascist elements, including authoritarian rhetoric and the mobilization of far-right groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. Additionally, the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025” has been critiqued as outlining a potential fascist-style administration.
Other Regions
- India: Under Narendra Modi, the government has been described as exhibiting authoritarian and nationalist tendencies, often sidelining minority groups and dissenting voices.
- Turkey: Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration has been marked by increasing authoritarianism and nationalist policies, consolidating power through suppression of opposition and control over media.
- Brazil: The movement associated with former President Jair Bolsonaro has been compared to fascist tendencies, emphasizing nationalism, militarism, and anti-democratic rhetoric.
It is essential to recognize that while these movements may not explicitly label themselves as fascist, their alignment with historical fascist characteristics—such as ultra-nationalism, authoritarianism, and the scapegoating of minorities—indicates a troubling trend towards authoritarianism.
Why Understanding Fascism Matters
Fascism capitalizes on fear and division, particularly during times of societal upheaval or economic instability. By recognizing the tactics employed by fascist movements—such as propaganda, scapegoating, and the suppression of dissent—societies can better safeguard democratic institutions and promote values of truth, equality, and pluralism. Vigilance is paramount in preventing the erosion of democratic norms and ensuring that history’s darkest chapters are not repeated.
Conclusion
Jason Stanley’s analysis serves as a crucial reminder of the enduring relevance of studying fascism. By understanding its mechanisms and warning signs, individuals and communities can actively resist the forces that threaten democratic freedoms and social cohesion. As we navigate the complexities of the modern political landscape, Stanley’s insights provide a roadmap for identifying and countering authoritarian tendencies before they take root.
Watch the full video with Jason Stanley to deepen your understanding of fascism and its implications for today’s world: Understanding Fascism with Jason Stanley