Identifying True Fascism in Modern Society

The rise of authoritarian figures such as Morawiecki, Erdogan, and Macron has raised concerns about the resurgence of fascism. This article delves into the characteristics and behaviors of modern fascism, distinguishing it from centrist politics, and highlights the dangers of its spread.

Modern Fascism: Not Just a Question of Appearance

Many tend to focus on the appearance and immediate actions of political figures. However, fascism is not just skin-deep. Real fascists can appear like anyone else, yet their beliefs and policies are vastly different from those who support democracy and human rights.

Extreme Nationalism: Fascists advocate for an extreme form of nationalism, which often leads to isolationism and xenophobia. This is evident in many modern leaders who prioritize their nation's interests over international cooperation.

Corporatism: Fascism brings together big business and big government in a way that benefits both. This creates a system where the government controls large parts of the economy, leading to a tight relationship between politicians and corporate interests.

Totalitarianism: At the core of fascism is the belief that the state should control every aspect of citizens' lives. The slogan "everything inside the state, nothing outside the state, nothing against the state" epitomizes this. In practice, this means strict control over media, education, and even personal freedoms.

Understanding Fascism through Historical Context

While Karl Marx foresaw elements of control and authoritarianism in capitalist societies, the current manifestations of fascism are often more subtle and disguised. This allows them to maintain a veneer of normalcy while slowly implementing harmful policies.

Renowned economists like Yanis Varoufakis advocate for reforms that address the issues raised by modern fascism. Diem25, a channel discussing these topics with top academic and industry leaders, suggests a more democratic approach to governance where communities have a say in their local economy. This could potentially mitigate the rise of authoritarianism.

The Dangers of Pernicious Neo-Fascism

The shift from democracy to semi-democracy and then to authoritarianism can happen without much notice. This process is often facilitated by the misuse of personal data, which can be used to increase fraud and control public discourse.

As civil liberties are eroded, the situation can quickly spiral into neo-fascism and then fascism. The end result is a dark new world order dictated by a small elite. The signs are already present, but many may be blind to them.

It is imperative that we stay vigilant and take action to prevent the slide into authoritarianism. The preservation of democratic principles and the protection of individual rights are crucial in the face of rising fascist tendencies.