Based on historical examples, there are several key steps that often occur during a fascist takeover of a country:
Exploitation of Crisis
Fascist movements typically gain traction during times of economic, political, or social upheaval. They exploit existing crises or manufacture perceived threats to stoke fear and resentment among the population[1].
Scapegoating and Ultranationalism
Fascists blame society’s problems on specific groups, often minorities or immigrants. They promote an exclusionary form of extreme nationalism, positioning themselves as the protectors of the “true” national identity[1].
Undermining Democratic Institutions
As they gain power, fascists work to weaken democratic checks and balances. This can involve:
- Attacking the free press and independent judiciary
- Eroding civil liberties like freedom of speech and assembly
- Manipulating or suspending elections
Consolidation of Power
Once in a position of authority, fascist leaders move quickly to centralize control:
- Banning opposition parties and arresting political opponents
- Passing emergency decrees to expand executive power
- Purging government institutions of non-loyalists
A key example is Hitler’s actions after becoming Chancellor in 1933. Within months, he had banned all other political parties and passed the Enabling Act, allowing him to enact laws without parliamentary approval[1][2].
Militarization and Expansionism
Fascist regimes typically embrace militarism and often pursue aggressive foreign policies. This can serve to unite the population against external “enemies” and distract from domestic issues[2].
Control of Information and Culture
Fascists seek to dominate all aspects of society, including:
- Implementing strict censorship and propaganda
- Controlling education and youth organizations
- Promoting a cult of personality around the leader
Collaboration with Existing Elites
While presenting themselves as revolutionary, fascist movements often make alliances with traditional conservative, military, and business elites to solidify their grip on power[2].
It’s important to note that these steps don’t always occur in a linear fashion, and not all authoritarian movements follow this exact pattern. However, understanding these historical trends can help in recognizing and resisting potential fascist threats in the present day.
Citations:
[1] https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/fascism-1
[2] https://www.britannica.com/topic/fascism/Varieties-of-fascism
[3] https://peoplesworld.org/article/how-to-prevent-a-fascist-takeover-in-the-u-s/
[4] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/19427786231157013
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5bfeEXZy9A
[6] https://www.amazon.com/How-Lose-Country-Democracy-Dictatorship/dp/0008340617
[7] https://education.cfr.org/learn/reading/what-fascism
[8] https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/how-did-adolf-hitler-happen