Fascism in the 20th Century Quarter

The paper explores the evolution of fascism in the 20th and 21st centuries, emphasizing its defining characteristics and the implications for contemporary political and social dynamics. Drawing on Lawrence W. Britt's "14 Defining Characteristics of Fascism," the paper examines how fascist ideologies manifest in modern political movements, despite not explicitly identifying as fascist. The study analyzes the ideologies of several contemporary political parties, including the Republican Party in the United States, the AfD in Germany, Konfederacja in Poland, and Fratelli d'Italia in Italy, identifying the presence of various fascist traits such as nationalism, militarism, and media control. It also highlights the global threat posed by fascism, particularly in the context of rising geopolitical tensions and the increasing number of nuclear states. Furthermore, the paper investigates the interplay between capitalism and fascism, discussing how modern capitalism exacerbates social inequalities and fosters ideologies targeting marginalized groups. The conclusion calls for proactive measures, such as civic education, responsible media reporting, and policies promoting democracy, equality, and social justice, to counter the spread of fascist ideologies and preserve democratic values.