What are distinctive characteristics of fascism that are not present in other forms of authoritarian rule? Fascism is right-wing. You can't claim a left-wing movement is fascist because left and right mean something.
Grok says:
Fascism has unique traits that set it apart from other authoritarian systems, even those on the right. Its distinct characteristics include:
- Ultranationalism: Fascism fetishizes the nation as a sacred entity, often tied to myths of a glorious past. It demands absolute loyalty to the state, portraying it as the embodiment of the people’s will. Other authoritarian regimes, like military dictatorships, might prioritize control or stability over this intense nationalistic fervor.
- Totalitarian Mobilization: Unlike many authoritarian systems that suppress dissent to maintain order, fascism seeks to galvanize the masses into a unified, aggressive movement. It thrives on constant propaganda, rallies, and paramilitary groups to enforce ideological conformity, not just compliance.
- Cult of the Leader: Fascist regimes revolve around a charismatic, infallible leader portrayed as the nation’s savior. This goes beyond the strongman archetype in other right-wing dictatorships, where leaders might rely on fear or bureaucracy rather than messianic worship.
- Militarism as Ideology: Fascism glorifies violence and war as purifying forces that strengthen the nation. While other authoritarian regimes may use military force, fascism elevates militarism to a core belief, romanticizing struggle and conquest.
- Rejection of Individualism and Equality: Fascism subordinates the individual to the collective will of the nation, explicitly rejecting liberal notions of equality. It promotes a hierarchical society based on race, class, or other markers, unlike some authoritarian systems that might tolerate limited pluralism or focus solely on power consolidation.
- Economic Corporatism: Fascism blends state control with private enterprise, organizing the economy into state-supervised “corporations” to align business and labor with national goals. This differs from socialist state ownership or the crony capitalism seen in other right-wing regimes.
You’re correct that fascism is inherently right-wing, rooted in ultranationalism and traditionalist hierarchies, which clashes with left-wing ideologies like socialism or communism that emphasize class struggle or universal equality. Calling a left-wing movement fascist muddies the term, as fascism’s core—national rebirth, leader worship, and militarized hierarchy—doesn’t align with leftist principles. However, some left-wing regimes can mimic fascist tactics (propaganda, suppression), but their ideological foundations remain distinct.
