Exploring the Complexity of Fascism and Its Political Affiliation
The term fascism has long proven to be a complex and often misunderstood concept in political discourse. The statement 'Fascism is NEVER “left wing.” That’s a contradiction in terms' is an exaggeration, as it belies the multifaceted nature of fascist ideologies. This article delves into the nuances of fascism, exploring its alignment with various political spectrums and challenging common misconceptions.
Defining Fascism: A Multidimensional Understanding
Fascism, as defined in academic literature, is a multifaceted political ideology that encompasses elements of both the far left and the far right. Ernst Nolte, one of the early scholars in fascist studies, identified six core principles defining fascism: anti-Marxism, anti-liberalism, the Führer principle, the paramilitary party, anti-conservatism, and the aim of totalitarianism. (Nolte, 1968)
Historical Context and Scholarly Perspectives
Various interpretations of fascism exist. Scholars often categorize these interpretations into three main categories: (1) fascism as an exclusively right-wing political movement, (2) fascism as “neither right nor left,” and (3) fascism as a primarily left-wing ideology. (Griffin, 1996)
However, the third interpretation is often viewed as unpersuasive, particularly by academic experts. Justifications for this left-wing interpretation often come from conservative pundits and blinded by ideological biases. One notable example is Jonah Goldberg's Liberal Fascism (2009), which is heavily critiqued for its flawed arguments. (Goldberg, 2009)
The Notion of "Latecomer" and Fascism
The political concept of fascism has often been described as a "latecomer" phenomenon. Juan J. Linz argued that fascist ideologies emerged due to a "political space" that had already been preempted by other movements, such as communism, on the left. (Linz, 1978) This latecomer status often explains why fascist regimes, after coming to power, behaved in ways that diverged from their originally leftist origins.
For instance, justicialismo in post-war Argentina represented a doctrinal framework that closely resembled fascism in its ideological purity, despite Juan Peron's regime not seeking to establish a fascist regime. This left-leaning trajectory underscores the complex nature of fascist ideologies. (Parsa, 2020)
Interplay Between Left and Right
Fascism's evolution and manifestation are often influenced by the political and socio-economic contexts of the time. New generations of fascist radicals increasingly gravitate towards left-wing ideologies, particularly in anti-globalization movements and alliances with leftist groups. This shift is exemplified by groups such as Nouvelle Résistance, who exemplify the "red-brown" political alliances merging cultural critiques from both right and left. (Newman, 2011)
Similarly, the French nouvelle droite (New Right) represents a mix of conservative and revisionist ideas, forming a basket of ideologies that transcends traditional left-right boundaries. This new modernist revolutionary synthesis sought to create alternative narratives of modernity and anti-modernity. (Pickering, 2002)
The Intellectual Vanguard of an Alternative Revolution
The intellectual legacy of fascism extends beyond its political dimensions, reflecting an attempt to create new revolutionary narratives. Fascism represents a fusion of illiberal nationalism with non-Marxist socialism, creating an ideology that seeks to redefine the political spectrum in ways that go "beyond right and left." This ideological amalgamation is best summarized by the formula: Fascism illiberal nationalism non-Marxist socialism.
Conclusion
Fascism is a complex political ideology that transcends traditional left-right categorizations. Its evolution and application over time illustrate the fluid nature of political affiliations and the ongoing attempt to redefine revolutionary movements. The interplay between left and right not only complicates the definition of fascism but also challenges our understanding of political categorizations in modern times.
References
- Nolte, E. (1968). The Origin of Fascism. University of Notre Dame Press.
- Griffin, R. (1996). . Routledge.
- Goldberg, J. (2009). Liberal Fascism. Regnery Publishing.
- Linz, J. J. (1978). Fascism: A Readers Guide. University of California Press.
- Parsa, M. (2020). Fascism, Left and Right: The History of a Bad Idea. University of Illinois Press.
- Newman, J. (2011). The Italian Right and the Holocaust. Cambridge University Press.
- Pickering, W. (2002). Heidegger, Nazism, and the Crisis of Modernity. Routledge.