5 Difficulties in defining Fascism

1. Timing

2. Mimicry versus reality

3. Space and Time

4. Actions in relation to the dogma

5. Overuse and application of the term

Errors of Scholarly approach

Issues lie in how we examine Fascism through individual regimes as opposed to in its broadest synthetic definition.

Most works treat Fascism in a generic manner

Most works isolate Fascist movements with little understanding of the milieu in which they operate.

How to correctly analyze Fascism

Study it “in motion” – consider the overall process and not just the individual.

Study it “in context” – consider the space it occupies, its life, surroundings, allies…etc

Study it “in change” – Malleability is a key to understanding and comparing movements. All 20th century movements have elements of Fascism; their ability to adapt, change and use it should be examined

In order to compare movements, we must first isolate what to compare.

Therefore we must identify the key stages of Fascist movements (all movements, in fact) and then examine them through specific events and actions of individual regimes.

This can then be cross referenced with the overall popularity and effectiveness to determine the successes and intentions of each individual phase

The Five Stages of Fascism

1. Initial creation

2. Development within Party Politics

3. Acquisition of power

4. Consolidation of power

5. Radicalization or “entropy”

Stage 1: pgs 11-12

Stage 2: pg 12 (last sentence) - 16

Stage 3: pg 16 - 17

Stage 4: pg 17 - 20

Stage 5: pg 20 - 21

Conclusions

Fascism is by definition “A system of political authority and social order intended to reinforce the unity, energy, and purity of communities in which liberal democracy stands accused of producing division and decline.”

This definition cannot be defined by reading its active propaganda and analyzing its dress codes…etc, but must also look deeply into its actions, intentions, popularity and improvements.