fascism

A political system in which a group or single leader rules from an anti-democratic far right ideology of nationalism, militarism, a distaste for cultural liberalism, and a belief in an elite societal hierarchy. This may or may not include religious ideology.

Under fascism, certain groups may be targeted for expulsion, ethnic cleansing, or imprisonment. Rights and freedoms of the population will limited, especially through fear and intimidation. Often citizens will be encouraged to report grievances or crimes against the government of other citizens.

Power is centralized in the ruler or rulers (either in authoritarianism or oligarchy), as will wealth. This will reinforce the social hierarchy.

Although term fascism is associated most closely with Benito Mussolini and his Fasciti, the Italian term fascista, meaning combat group, was already in popular political use beyond Italy by 1919.

Historically speaking, it can be argued that groups such as the Klu Klux Klan may be considered a fascista and the Jim Crow to be a system of fascism across the southern United States, just as Nazi Germany is now described as fascist.

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