How to Stop Fascism

1. Fascism Exploits the Disconnect Between War's Thrill and Peace's Drabness

When I observe how they silently cut lanes through the tangles of barbed wire,’ wrote Ernst Jünger, of his fellow soldiers in the First World War, ‘I am overcome with recognition: this is the new man, the storm pioneer, the elite of Central Europe.

Yearning for purpose. Fascism's earliest followers were often war veterans who found the return to civilian life disillusioning. The structured violence and clear purpose of war stood in stark contrast to the perceived meaninglessness and moral ambiguity of peacetime. This disconnect created a fertile ground for fascist ideologies that promised a renewed sense of purpose and belonging through nationalistic fervor and the promise of future conflict.

The "New Man." Figures like Ernst Jünger idealized the "New Man," a figure forged in the crucible of war, disciplined, obedient, and willing to embrace violence for the sake of the nation. This ideal rejected traditional bourgeois values and celebrated a warrior ethos, appealing to those who felt alienated by the perceived decadence and weakness of liberal society. The promise of becoming part of an elite, a "storm pioneer," offered a sense of superiority and belonging to those who felt marginalized or lost in the post-war world.

Rejection of modernity. This yearning for a lost sense of purpose often manifested as a rejection of modernity itself. Fascist ideologies frequently romanticized a mythical past, characterized by strong leadership, social hierarchy, and national unity. This rejection of modern values, combined with the promise of a return to a more "authentic" and "heroic" way of life, resonated with those who felt overwhelmed by the rapid social and economic changes of the early 20th century.

2. Fascism Thrives on Replacing Failed Belief Systems with Active Ideologies

In our case, it is the religion of the market that has failed – and with it some people’s belief in democracy.

Ideological vacuum. Fascism gains traction when traditional belief systems and ideologies lose their credibility. This can occur during periods of economic crisis, social upheaval, or political instability, when people lose faith in existing institutions and values. The failure of neoliberalism, with its emphasis on free markets and individual responsibility, has created such a vacuum in many Western societies.

Active belief system. Fascism offers a new, active ideology to fill this void, providing a sense of meaning, purpose, and belonging. Unlike passive belief systems that are simply accepted, fascist ideologies demand active participation and commitment, often through violence and the suppression of dissent. This active engagement can be particularly appealing to those who feel powerless or alienated, offering them a sense of agency and control.

Replacement for democracy. The core function of extreme-right ideology today is as a replacement belief system, an active ideology built on the ruins of a passive one that has failed. In our case, it is the religion of the market that has failed – and with it some people’s belief in democracy.

3. Modern Fascism is a Networked Ecosystem of Online Spaces, Symbolic Violence, and Influencers

Like Varga, I am interested not just in what far-right extremists say, but what they mean: the subtext of the videos they post, the memes they spread and the brands they wear.

Decentralized structure. Contemporary fascism is not typically organized around a single, hierarchical party. Instead, it functions as a networked ecosystem, comprising online communities, symbolic acts of violence, and influential figures who shape the narrative. This decentralized structure makes it more difficult to identify and combat.

Online radicalization. The internet, particularly social media platforms and anonymized bulletin boards, plays a crucial role in the spread of fascist ideas. These online spaces provide a platform for hate speech, conspiracy theories, and the normalization of violence, often shielded by anonymity. This allows individuals to become radicalized in echo chambers, reinforcing extremist beliefs and fostering a sense of community.

Symbolic violence. Acts of violence, often directed at marginalized groups or democratic institutions, serve as a form of communication within the fascist ecosystem. These acts are designed to be politically symbolic, sending a message of intimidation and demonstrating the potential for future violence. The use of memes, coded language, and specific brands further reinforces this message and creates a sense of belonging among adherents.

4. The Thought-Architecture of Modern Fascism Rests on Anti-Modernism, Pseudoscience, and Authoritarian Politics

What twenty-first-century fascists want is clear: to destroy liberal democracy, human rights and the rule of law; to cancel the rights won by women since the 1960s; and to create monocultural ethno-states using cataclysmic violence.

Rejection of Enlightenment values. Modern fascist ideology is rooted in a rejection of the Enlightenment and its emphasis on reason, individual rights, and universalism. Thinkers like Alain de Benoist argue that modernity has led to the erosion of traditional values, the weakening of national identity, and the rise of cultural Marxism. This anti-modernism provides a philosophical justification for dismantling liberal democratic institutions and returning to a more hierarchical and authoritarian social order.

Pseudoscience and racial hierarchy. Pseudoscience, particularly in the areas of race and gender, plays a key role in reinforcing fascist ideology. Claims of genetic superiority and inherent differences between ethnic groups are used to justify discrimination, exclusion, and even violence. Similarly, evolutionary psychology is used to argue that traditional gender roles are natural and that feminism is a destructive force.

Authoritarianism and the Schmittian state. Fascist political theory draws heavily on the work of Carl Schmitt, who argued that the state's legitimacy derives from its ability to impose order and defend itself against enemies. This leads to a rejection of the separation of powers, the rule of law, and the protection of minority rights. Instead, sovereignty is concentrated in a strong leader who can act decisively to protect the nation from internal and external threats.

5. Fascist Mythology Distorts Reality Through Conspiracy Theories and the Promise of a Cataclysmic "Day X"

To achieve mass effect the theory has been condensed into something more accurately described as a ‘social myth’: something that you want to happen, that you believe will happen and – by taking violent action – you can make happen.

The Great Replacement. This theory posits that white populations are being deliberately replaced by immigrants and minorities, often orchestrated by a shadowy cabal of elites. This narrative fuels anti-immigrant sentiment, white nationalism, and a sense of existential threat among those who believe in it.

Liberalism as the enemy. Fascist mythology identifies liberalism as the primary force undermining traditional values and national identity. Liberal democracy is seen as weak, corrupt, and incapable of protecting the nation from internal and external threats. This leads to calls for authoritarian leadership and the suppression of dissent.

Cultural Marxism. This conspiracy theory claims that a cabal of left-wing intellectuals is deliberately undermining Western civilization through the promotion of multiculturalism, feminism, and LGBTQ+ rights. This narrative is used to demonize progressive social movements and justify attacks on universities, the media, and other cultural institutions.

Metapolitics and Day X. Fascists believe that they can achieve their goals through a combination of cultural influence and strategic action. They focus on spreading their ideology through online networks and waiting for a cataclysmic event, such as a civil war or economic collapse, to trigger a decisive shift in power. This belief in an inevitable "Day X" justifies violence and extremism as necessary steps towards achieving their ultimate goals.

6. Five Interacting Crises—Economic Failure, Democratic Decay, Technological Control, Climate Change, and Pandemics—Fuel Fascism's Resurgence

As we enter the 2020s we’re living through a multi-layered disruption of normality, in which every new crisis adds to the disorientation triggered by the last.

Neoliberalism's failure. The economic model of neoliberalism, characterized by privatization, deregulation, and globalization, has led to rising inequality, wage stagnation, and economic insecurity for many. This has created a sense of resentment and disillusionment that fascist ideologies can exploit.

Erosion of democracy. Declining trust in democratic institutions, coupled with the rise of illiberal democracies and authoritarian leaders, has created a political climate ripe for fascist movements. The manipulation of electoral systems, the politicization of the judiciary, and the suppression of dissent further erode democratic norms and open the door to extremism.

Technological control. The concentration of power in the hands of tech monopolies, coupled with the spread of disinformation and hate speech online, has created a fertile ground for fascist propaganda. Social media algorithms can amplify extremist views and create echo chambers, further polarizing society.

Climate change. The looming climate catastrophe and the perceived failure of governments to address it effectively have created a sense of existential dread and despair. Fascist ideologies can exploit this fear by offering simplistic solutions, such as nationalism, isolationism, and the scapegoating of immigrants.

Pandemics. Pandemics, such as COVID-19, exacerbate existing inequalities and create new anxieties. They can also lead to the erosion of civil liberties and the rise of authoritarian measures, further weakening democratic institutions and creating opportunities for fascist movements.

7. The Russian Civil War Normalized Genocidal Violence and Created a Model for Fascist Regimes

The myth of the ‘Judeo-Bolshevik conspiracy’, which became a central justification for the Holocaust and remains an important theme for today’s far right, was established in the rules-free environment of the Russian Civil War.

Pogroms and anti-Semitism. The Russian Civil War saw widespread violence against Jewish communities, who were often falsely associated with the Bolsheviks. This normalized genocidal violence and contributed to the development of the "Judeo-Bolshevik conspiracy" theory, which would later become a central tenet of Nazi ideology.

Killing Marxists with impunity. The White armies, fighting against the Bolsheviks, engaged in mass executions and other atrocities against left-wing activists and suspected sympathizers. This taught a generation of Europeans the art of suppressing dissent through violence, with little or no accountability.

Model state. The White regime in Siberia, led by Admiral Kolchak, served as an early model for fascist regimes. Kolchak's military dictatorship combined authoritarian rule with elements of social reform and modernization, appealing to those who sought a strong leader and a return to order.

8. Irrationalism, Scientific Racism, and Glorification of Violence Formed the Ideological Bedrock of Early Fascism

In the search for what makes people want to reject and prevent freedom, I will argue that we need to look much deeper than the contingent factors of economic crisis, or class antagonisms, which have been the traditional focus of the left.

Rejection of reason. Irrationalism, a philosophical movement that gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, rejected the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and science. Thinkers like Friedrich Nietzsche argued that intuition, instinct, and emotion were more reliable guides to truth. This rejection of reason paved the way for the acceptance of conspiracy theories and other forms of irrational belief.

Racial pseudoscience. Scientific racism, which claimed to provide a biological basis for racial inequality, played a key role in justifying discrimination and violence against marginalized groups. Figures like Houston Stewart Chamberlain promoted the idea of an "Aryan race" and warned of the dangers of racial mixing, laying the groundwork for Nazi ideology.

Celebration of violence. Fascist ideology glorified violence as a means of achieving national renewal and asserting dominance. Thinkers like Georges Sorel argued that violence was a necessary and even ennobling force, capable of shattering the complacency of bourgeois society and paving the way for a new order.

9. Mussolini's Rise Demonstrates How a Breakdown of the Rule of Law and Elite Collaboration Enable Fascism

The longer I listened, the clearer their subtext became. This is the sound people make when they fear the wages of whiteness will not be paid.

Squadrismo. Mussolini's rise to power was facilitated by the use of squadrismo, or organized violence by fascist paramilitary groups. These squads targeted socialist and communist activists, trade union leaders, and other opponents of fascism, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

Elite collaboration. The Italian elite, including landowners, industrialists, and members of the military, provided financial and political support to the fascist movement. They saw Mussolini as a bulwark against socialism and a means of restoring order and stability.

Erosion of the rule of law. The Italian government and law enforcement agencies often turned a blind eye to fascist violence, allowing the squads to operate with impunity. This erosion of the rule of law created a climate of lawlessness and emboldened the fascists to escalate their attacks.

10. The Left's Theoretical Errors and Inability to Unite Paved the Way for Hitler's Ascent

To understand fascism requires a theory; a collection of facts won’t do. But with the re-emergence of today’s far right, almost every theory of fascism produced during the past sixty years needs revision.

Underestimation of fascism. The German left, particularly the Communist Party (KPD), underestimated the threat posed by Nazism. They viewed the Nazis as simply another tool of the capitalist class and failed to recognize their unique appeal to the middle class and their potential for mass mobilization.

"Social fascism" theory. The KPD adhered to the theory of "social fascism," which held that social democratic parties were essentially indistinguishable from fascists. This led to a refusal to cooperate with the Social Democratic Party (SPD), further dividing the left and weakening its ability to resist the Nazis.

Failure to unite. The deep divisions between the KPD and the SPD, rooted in ideological differences and historical animosity, prevented the formation of a united front against Nazism. This disunity allowed the Nazis to exploit the divisions within the working class and gain support from other segments of society.

11. A New Popular Front Requires a Moral Ethos, a Reclaimed Narrative, and a Militant Defense of Democracy

The only thing that’s ever beaten it was an alliance of the centre and the left.

Beyond class. A successful anti-fascist strategy must go beyond traditional class-based analysis and address the cultural and psychological factors that contribute to the appeal of fascism. This includes challenging misogyny, racism, and other forms of prejudice, as well as promoting a positive vision of a more inclusive and equitable society.

Reclaiming the narrative. The left must reclaim the narrative of national identity and patriotism from the right. This involves celebrating the positive aspects of national history and culture while acknowledging and addressing past injustices. It also means promoting a vision of national unity that is based on inclusivity and respect for diversity.

Militant democracy. Defending democracy requires more than just upholding formal legal procedures. It also involves actively combating disinformation, hate speech, and other forms of anti-democratic subversion. This may require restricting certain freedoms in order to protect the overall health of the democratic system.

Last updated: February 20, 2025