The political landscape in the United States has been characterized by a heated debate surrounding former President Donald Trump, with Vice President Kamala Harris adding fuel to the fire by calling him a fascist. This declaration has sparked widespread discussion, prompting us to examine the true meaning of fascism and its applicability to contemporary American politics.
What is Fascism?
Fascism, at its core, is an authoritarian, ultranationalist political ideology and movement. It is often associated with the far right and distinguished by a dictatorial leader who utilizes military force to suppress political and civil opposition. The most notorious examples of fascism in history are Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, and Fascist Italy, under the rule of Benito Mussolini.
Mussolini, known as ‘Il Duce’ (The Duke), spearheaded the National Fascist Party, symbolized by an eagle clutching a fasces – a bundle of rods with an axe. In October 1922, thousands of ‘Blackshirts,’ or ‘squadristi,’ an armed fascist militia led by Mussolini, marched on Rome, vowing to seize power. Hitler’s Nazis similarly relied on a militia, known as the ‘Brownshirts.’ Both leaders eventually established single-party rule and fostered violence in the streets. They not only used soldiers but also incited civilian unrest, pitting loyalists against political opponents and creating divisions within society.
Fascism’s Evolving Definition
The term ‘fascism’ has evolved in modern political discourse, often used as a catch-all term for efforts to spread oppression and racism, as well as to condemn dictators or leaders who employ totalitarian tactics. While often associated with the left, the term has also been used by some conservatives to criticize lockdowns imposed during the coronavirus pandemic.
Historical Parallels
While Hitler and Mussolini are the most recognizable examples of fascism, its application to other historical figures and regimes is more complex. Does military dictator Augusto Pinochet’s 17-year rule in Chile qualify? What about Indonesian strongman Suharto or Spain’s Francisco Franco? These questions highlight the ambiguity surrounding the definition of fascism and its application beyond the historical context of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.
Trump and the Label of Fascism
Vice President Harris’s assertion that Trump is a fascist stems from her long-standing criticism of his mental stability and his alleged disregard for the nation’s founding democratic principles. She highlights Trump’s threats to deploy the military against political opponents, including those he considers ‘enemies from within.’ Trump’s repeated pronouncements of attacking his enemies and his declarations to his supporters that he would be their ‘retribution’ have fueled concerns about his potential for authoritarianism.
Experts Weigh In
Opinions on whether Trump aligns with the definition of fascism are divided among experts. Robert Paxton, a Columbia University professor emeritus and author of ‘The Anatomy of Fascism,’ cites the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol as evidence of Trump’s fascism. Others, while recognizing Trump’s fascist tendencies, argue that he does not meet the classic historical definition. David Kertzer, a Brown University professor and Italian historian, notes similarities between Trump’s rhetoric and that of historical fascists, such as his reliance on a cult of personality and his use of mass movements. However, Kertzer argues that Trump’s actions have not yet reached the level of historical fascists, who implemented one-party states and banned all opposition media.
The Future of American Democracy
The debate surrounding Trump’s actions and whether he qualifies as a fascist underscores the ongoing struggle for democracy in the United States. While some experts warn of the dangers of Trump’s rhetoric and the potential for a rise in fascism, others believe that American institutions remain strong enough to resist authoritarianism. The future of American democracy will hinge on the ongoing dialogue and engagement of citizens in the face of political challenges. The rise of far-right parties across Europe, coupled with Trump’s influence within the Republican Party, presents a new reality where the center of American politics is no longer stable. This new reality, amplified by social media, which mirrors the propagandistic tactics of historical fascists, creates a climate of division and mistrust, challenging the very foundations of democracy.