Fascist ideologies, though discredited after the horrors of the 20th century, haven’t disappeared. In fact, in recent years, we’ve seen them pop up in different parts of the world, from Europe to America. These ideologies, which promote extreme nationalism, authoritarian control, and often target minority groups, continue to find support in modern societies. But why? How do these ideas, which caused so much suffering in the past, still gain followers today? Let’s break it down.
Economic turmoil coupled with deepening social inequality
Economic instability has always been fertile ground for extreme ideologies, and fascism is no different. When people are struggling financially, they look for simple solutions and someone to blame. That’s exactly what fascist leaders offer—easy answers to complex problems. They promise to restore order, improve the economy, and give people a sense of control again.
The wealth gap is growing in many parts of the world, and middle- and working-class people feel left behind. Job losses, stagnant wages, and the rising cost of living make it easy for them to feel frustrated and desperate. Fascist ideologies prey on this by claiming that there’s a quick fix: get rid of the “outsiders” or the “elite” who are supposedly responsible for these economic issues.
Throughout history, this has been a powerful tool for fascists. In the 1930s, Hitler blamed Jews for Germany’s economic collapse after World War I. Today, similar rhetoric is used to target immigrants, minorities, or global elites. People struggling financially may feel like they have no control over their lives, and fascist ideologies offer them an appealing, if dangerous, sense of power and purpose.
Apprehension over cultural erosion and the weakening of national identity
In today’s globalized world, cultural changes are happening fast, and not everyone is comfortable with that. Immigration, multiculturalism, and global trade have transformed societies in ways that can feel unfamiliar and unsettling to some people. They worry that their national identity, traditions, and way of life are being lost. Fascist ideologies tap into this fear, promising to “restore” the nation to its former glory by protecting it from foreign influences.
Fascist leaders often present themselves as defenders of traditional values. They frame the issue as a battle between preserving the nation’s identity and being overrun by outsiders. This can be particularly effective in countries experiencing large waves of immigration or cultural shifts. By playing on fears of cultural erosion, fascist ideologies rally support from people who feel like they’re losing control over their own society.
The surge of populist movements alongside the growth of authoritarian rule
Populism and fascism share a lot of common ground, and in recent years, populist movements have been on the rise. Populist leaders often position themselves as champions of the “common people” against corrupt elites. They promise to fix everything by cutting through red tape and making quick, decisive changes. Sound familiar? This is a key feature of fascist ideologies as well—strong, authoritarian leadership that doesn’t care about the rules or democratic norms.
In times of crisis, authoritarian leaders can seem appealing. People might feel that their democratic institutions are too slow or corrupt to solve their problems. Fascist ideologies offer a seductive solution: get rid of the bureaucracy and put a strong leader in charge. That’s how fascists gain ground by promising to restore order, even if it means sacrificing freedoms.
The role of social platforms in amplifying false narratives and misinformation
Social media has changed the way people consume information, and it has also made it easier for fascist ideologies to spread. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube allow misinformation and extremist views to reach a massive audience at lightning speed. People are drawn into echo chambers, where they only see content that reinforces their existing beliefs, and this can make extremist ideas seem more normal.
Fascist groups use social media to promote conspiracy theories, spread hate speech, and recruit new followers. Algorithms on these platforms often prioritize sensational, emotionally charged content, which helps extremist ideas go viral. By tapping into people’s fears and anxieties, fascist ideologies can spread quickly online, gaining new followers without much pushback.
The act of blaming and constructing a perceived adversary
A key feature of fascist ideologies is the creation of an enemy—a group of people who can be blamed for all of society’s problems. In the 20th century, fascists in Germany blamed Jews, communists, and other minority groups. Today, the targets may have changed, but the tactic is the same. Fascist ideologies focus on blaming immigrants, Muslims, LGBTQ+ individuals, or any group that can be painted as the “other.”
By creating an adversary, fascists offer a sense of unity and purpose to their followers. It’s easier to feel powerful when you believe you’re part of a group fighting against a common enemy. This tactic also distracts from the real causes of societal problems, like economic mismanagement or political corruption. Fascist leaders shift the blame onto vulnerable groups, fueling hate and division to strengthen their own power.
Appeal to tradition and rejection of progress
Another reason fascist ideologies still resonate today is their appeal to tradition. Fascists often promise to return society to a time when things were supposedly better, when people knew their roles, the family structure was intact, and there was a strong sense of order. In this worldview, any progressive change is seen as a threat.
For those who feel uncomfortable with rapid societal shifts whether it’s gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, or racial justice, fascism offers the comfort of the past. Fascist ideologies reject these changes as unnatural or harmful, calling for a return to traditional values. By painting progress as dangerous, they attract people who feel disoriented by modern society.
The failure of education and historical amnesia
Many people today don’t fully understand the dangers of fascism because they haven’t been taught about it in depth. As time passes, the horrors of the past, like the Holocaust and World War II, can feel distant. Without proper education about these events, younger generations might not recognize the signs of fascist ideologies when they appear.
Historical amnesia is another issue. Fascists often attempt to rewrite history, downplaying their atrocities or portraying themselves as misunderstood patriots. This allows fascist ideologies to gain legitimacy in the eyes of people who might not be aware of the full extent of their crimes. Without a strong understanding of history, societies are more likely to repeat the mistakes of the past.
Conclusion
Fascist ideologies still find fertile ground in modern societies for several reasons. Economic instability, fear of cultural change, and the appeal of strong leadership create an environment where these dangerous ideas can take root. Social media accelerates the spread of misinformation, and the lack of historical education means many people don’t recognize the threat fascism poses.