What is it about?
The entry on "Fascism" in the Italian Encyclopedia, edited by Giovanni Gentile in 1932, aimed to clarify the doctrine and ideology of the movement. In this text, fascism was defined as anti-individualist, anti-liberal, anti-democratic, and anti-socialist. Written by Benito Mussolini, the Italian dictator and leader of the National Fascist Party from 1922 to 1943, the entry also advocated for the creation of a strong state and the transformation of Italy into an empire. Contemporary neo-fascist movements have reproduced and updated this ideology, at times explicitly aligning themselves with the movements led by Mussolini and Hitler. Meanwhile, post-fascist electoral parties attempt to distance themselves from these historical associations while still sharing certain ideological traits, such as extreme nationalism and anti-communism.
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Why is it important?
With the political and electoral growth of the far-right worldwide, the term "fascism" is frequently—and often inconsistently—used in the media and public discourse. Defining the ideology of this movement is therefore essential to understanding its impact and resurgence.
Perspectives
Studying the ideology of interwar fascism is crucial to understanding its contemporary updates, including the rise and influence of neo-fascist and post-fascist movements in the 21st century. Denying the existence or relevance of a fascist ideology, as some authors have done, hinders comparisons between these movements and their historical contexts. While mass militia parties, colored uniforms, and choreographed marches may seem like relics of the past, the underlying ideas remain present for those willing to observe and study them. This ideology serves as a link between interwar fascism and today’s neo-fascist and post-fascist movements. Despite their differences, common ideological threads can be found between Mussolini’s fascism (1922) and Fratelli d’Italia (2012), led by Giorgia Meloni, who has been Italy's Prime Minister since 2022. Similarly, parallels exist between Hitler’s Nazism (1934) and contemporary accelerationist groups that engage in terrorist propaganda and attacks.
Alvaro Bianchi
Universidade Estadual de Campinas
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This page is a summary of: Fascismos: Ideologia e história, Novos Estudos - CEBRAP, April 2024, Novos Estudos - CEBRAP,
DOI: 10.25091/s01013300202400010003.
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