Author: Dr. Fazl Ahmad Ahmadi
Fascism in the Form of Political Thought (Part 5)
2. Concept and Elements of Fascism
Fascism literally refers to the method used to concentrate power within the government; it represents a political theory and an extreme nationalist authoritarian government system. The term “fascism” is derived from the Italian (Latin) word “fascis,” which referred to the rods (or axe) carried by soldiers of the ancient Roman consuls as a symbol of their authority. In the 1890s, the term “fascio” was used in Italy to denote political groups, often consisting of revolutionary socialists. However, it was only when Mussolini adopted this term to describe the armed militia groups he formed and utilized during and after the First World War that “fascism” took on a clear ideological meaning.
In essence, fascism is an ideology characterized by elements such as a belief in struggle and conflict, war, charismatic leadership, elitism, and extreme nationalism. While it is particularly associated with Mussolini’s regime in Italy, fascism represents a broader political philosophy that emerged in the 20th century as a reaction against liberalism and socialism. Throughout its evolution, many political thinkers have been credited with influencing the development of fascist ideology, including Plato, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Fichte, Rousseau, Hegel, Émile Durkheim, Nietzsche, Sorel, Pareto, and others.
It is important to note that while fascism has deep intellectual roots, it initially held a more limited meaning and was initially considered a type of state syndicalism as advocated by Mussolini.
Therefore, the term “fascism”, which Benito Mussolini first coined with the aim of gaining power and forming a certain type of state syndicalism, is not merely a political ideology alongside liberalism, conservatism or communism, but rather an endorsement and supporter of a policy that was the foundation of the phenomenon of a totalitarian type of government in the first half of the 20th century, and as Kevin Pasmor has rightly said: “Probably in the 21th century, more than any other time in history, its nature will be of interest.”
In other words, fascism represents a total state that is rooted in the reaction to a deep social crisis, and its close connection with the feeling of frustration and insecurity required its foundations with aesthetic structures.
As mentioned, fascism was first led by Mussolini in Italy from 1922 to 1945 and was based on the three pillars of a single political party, extreme racism, and a powerful and centralized government. Fascism can be seen as a third force between capitalism and communism, and it can be said that fascism is a way of government before it is a political philosophy or ideology. In fascist governments, the person who is at the head of the government is above the law. In fascist regimes, the government organization, relying on military power and political pressure groups and propaganda tools at the disposal of the government, restricts individual freedoms and suppresses any opposition movement.
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche can be considered the spiritual father of fascism and his philosophy is the foundation of the irrational thought of this movement. Nietzsche is a harbinger of war and bloodshed and shows a remarkable dislike of women. The book “So Said Zarathustra” is full of amazing dreams that a weak brain has been able to create. In his view, there has never been a book with this power. According to Thomas, Nietzsche exclaims: “Live with danger and live always in war.” He who wants to be a builder must first be a destroyer and destroy all old values.” In Nietzsche’s voluminous books, it has been discussed that power and force is an absolute right. The superior man does not seek to make his desire for power seem reasonable and reasoned, but his only reason and justification is: “This is my will.” According to Nietzsche, the gods are dead, and religion is false.
Continues…
By admin2