Fascism, a word that often brings to mind dictatorships, racial hatred, and violent suppression of dissent, should have been left in the past. After the horrors of World War II, it seemed like the world had collectively agreed: never again. Yet here we are, decades later, seeing traces of it resurface across the globe. Fascism hasn’t disappeared. In fact, it’s transformed, adjusting to the modern world while keeping its dangerous core. The question is, why does the threat of fascism persist today?
The evolution of fascism in modern society
Fascism may not look the same as it did in Mussolini’s Italy or Hitler’s Germany, but its principles are alive and well. Modern fascism has evolved. Instead of military uniforms and mass rallies, it might come wrapped in the language of patriotism or national security. In many countries, far-right populist leaders use nationalist rhetoric, promising to “make the country great again” or to protect it from “outsiders.”
While they avoid openly calling themselves fascists, their methods echo fascist playbooks of the past—manipulating fear and division to gain control.
Today’s far-right movements often position themselves as defenders of traditional values, presenting themselves as the last line of defense against an imagined cultural or moral decay. This rebranded version of fascism is often harder to identify because it doesn’t always come with obvious symbols of hate.
But at its core, the same elements remain: the desire for authoritarian control, the rejection of diversity, and the suppression of opposition.
Economic instability and social anxiety as breeding grounds
One of the main reasons fascism still appeals to people today is economic instability. When the economy takes a downturn, people start looking for someone to blame. In the 1920s and 1930s, economic crises in Europe set the stage for fascist dictators to rise. People were scared, angry, and desperate for solutions. Fascist leaders offered them easy answers: blame the Jews, blame the communists, blame anyone who seemed different.
Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing a similar dynamic. Economic inequality is growing, and many people feel left behind by globalization and technology. Far-right leaders tap into this fear, pointing fingers at immigrants or minority groups. They claim that “outsiders” are stealing jobs or draining resources. Instead of offering real solutions to complex economic issues, fascist rhetoric gives people scapegoats.
Nationalism intertwined with the politics of identity and belonging
Nationalism has always been a major part of fascism, and it remains so today. Fascist ideologies thrive on the idea of an “us vs. them” mentality, where the nation and its people are seen as under threat from outsiders.
These outsiders could be immigrants, ethnic minorities, or even political opponents. Modern far-right movements have effectively intertwined nationalism with identity politics. They exploit people’s fear of losing their cultural identity in a world that’s becoming more diverse.
The fear of losing what makes a nation “pure” is a powerful motivator. People rally behind the idea of defending their national identity, believing that by pushing out the “others,” they can restore their country to its former glory.
This fear of losing cultural dominance has been particularly visible in debates over immigration. Anti-immigrant rhetoric is often cloaked in calls to protect national values or traditions, but at its heart, it’s about exclusion and division.
Anxiety over societal shifts and diminishing influence
Along with economic instability, societal shifts play a big role in the persistence of fascism. In recent decades, the world has seen movements for racial equality, gender rights, and LGBTQ+ acceptance. While these shifts represent progress, they’ve also triggered backlash from groups who feel that their traditional power and influence are slipping away.
Fascism appeals to those who feel left behind by these changes. They see themselves as defenders of the old order, trying to reclaim a world where they had more control or influence.
For these individuals, the idea of a multicultural, inclusive society feels like a threat. Fascist movements exploit these fears, offering a return to a time when things were supposedly simpler, and those who looked, thought, or acted differently didn’t have as much power.
The proliferation of false information and the rise of conspiracy-driven narratives
In today’s digital age, misinformation spreads like wildfire. Fascist ideologies thrive in environments where truth is hard to separate from lies. Fake news, conspiracy theories, and propaganda are common tools used to manipulate public opinion. The internet, particularly social media, has made it easier for fascist groups to spread their messages to large audiences without being challenged.
Conspiracy theories are especially powerful. They play into people’s fears and give them a sense of control by offering simple explanations for complex problems. Whether it’s blaming immigrants for a country’s economic issues or claiming that a shadowy group of elites is secretly controlling everything, these narratives fuel fascist thinking. Far-right movements use these theories to radicalize people, convincing them that they’re fighting against a hidden enemy.
The erosion of democratic frameworks and governance
Another factor that keeps fascism alive is the weakening of democratic institutions. In countries where democracy is fragile, fascist leaders can easily rise to power by promising stability and order. They often claim that the traditional democratic system is broken or corrupt, positioning themselves as the strong leaders needed to fix things.
Once in power, these leaders tend to undermine democratic processes. They attack the free press, limit civil liberties, and weaken checks and balances. This erosion of democratic governance is dangerous because it paves the way for authoritarian rule, a key feature of fascism. When people lose faith in democracy, they become more willing to accept alternative forms of governance, even if those alternatives threaten their freedoms.
A fading collective memory of culture and history
One of the reasons fascism keeps coming back is that we forget the lessons of the past. As time goes on, the horrors of World War II and the Holocaust become more distant memories.
Younger generations, who didn’t experience these events firsthand, may not fully understand the dangers of fascism. Worse, some far-right groups actively try to rewrite history, portraying fascist regimes as strong and admirable, rather than brutal and oppressive.
This historical amnesia is dangerous. When people don’t remember the past, they’re more likely to repeat it. Fascist movements often downplay or outright deny the atrocities committed under past fascist regimes. By doing so, they make it easier for people to embrace fascist ideas without fully understanding their implications.
Conclusion
Fascism persists today for many reasons. Economic instability, nationalism, misinformation, and societal anxieties all create fertile ground for far-right ideologies to take root. Moreover, the weakening of democratic institutions and a fading collective memory make it easier for fascist ideas to resurface.
The fight against fascism is far from over, and it’s crucial to remain vigilant. Fascism may have evolved, but its core remains the same: division, hatred, and authoritarian control. To prevent history from repeating itself, we must address the underlying issues that allow fascism to thrive and educate future generations about the dangers of letting these ideologies go unchecked.