Thanks indeed for this. I have several friends who think we are overreacting. This worries me. I am in Paris right now and the feeling here among many is that we are in so many ways back to 1933. It is scary. Even Trump’s firing of the Kennedy Centre for the Arts chair and putting himself in as chair is a reference to how the arts were controlled during the Nazi era. I shudder. Glad to see Bernie Sanders, AOC, and Tim Walz initiating tours to red state town halls. This needs to be outed - and known for what it is.
Until we have a better name for the current kind of evil that takes root in society and politics, “fascism” will do. You’re right Dan: “truth is contingent” in America now.
The idea that whatever is good for the fascist is declared "true" and what is not good for the fascist is declared "false" clarifies for me why Trump's incessant, compulsive, abhorrent lying disturbs me. As a psychological scientist, I have dedicated by life to determining what is true, what is actually the case, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable this task may be. When Trump lazily and flippantly redefines truth as contingent on whether something benefits him, it drives me crazy.
For any label to influence people it has to resonate with them. However, most of us do not have a sophisticated political compass that allows for a clear and quick understanding of political terms and how to apply them. Fascist is no different really than dictator, autocrat, despot, totalitarian or tyrant. They are understood in vague, even pop culture terms, rather than in application to our own political systems and environments.
Captain America movies or History Channel documentaries leave impressions of what such people are that feel to many as having little to no linkage to our situations. The same is true for science fiction or fantasy characters such as in Dune or Game of Thrones. This is even more the case since our images link up with a finished product rather than the path taken to get there. And even then, the most effective fascists and autocrats ensure that there is at least a remaining veneer of respectability.
I served three diplomatic postings in countries widely described as autocratic Soeharto’s Indonesia, Biya’s Cameroon and Mugabe’s Zimbabwe. None of them would immediately link up with our hazy notions of fascism, dictatorship or autocracy. That was cold comfort though to people feeling the pain being inflicted by those regimes.
But the recent arrest of Mahmoud Khalil produces an almost PTSD response in me. It is reminiscent of so many arrests of opposition figures we saw during our assignments - chilling for its implications and its impact on the individual and unsettling for its seeming ability to point to a normalcy and application of rule of law.
Thank you for this. For the past year I have been revisiting the works of Hannah Arendt and read Project 2025. Hannah Arendt's works are clearer. But I have not been able to shake the feeling that lurking behind Trump's facism is a far more evil and organized governing force, a groups with well stocked bunkers powered by renewable power and AI, a group that has little need for more than a sliver of humanity and who will happily step in once Trump is gone.
They are driven by power and the ruthless certainty that they have achieved global dominance because they are brighter, more deserving and the next stage of humanity.
Dystopian fiction such as 1984, Brave New World,and Kafka's The Trial toy with totalitarianism but come out of a less globalized and integrated world than the one we are living in. What would these authors be writing now?
I am not holding my breath waiting for the overthrow. For those of us who live in the remaining democracies, it is time to cut all links to the technologies controlled by the tech bros backing Trump.
We need to double down on acquiring (or honing) traditional skills and self reliance and then rebuild an economy and government that is not completely dependent on high tech and fossil fuels. We need community resilience in terms of health, food, education and social connections.
To do all of this, we must build on what already exists and with labor that may not be fully compensated in dollars, but are compensated by our thanks gratitude and reciprocal labor. No matter if there is redundancy or duplication.
There is no time to tear things down and to build from scratch. This means fixing up and revamping existing buildings, roads and infrastructure. We need to rely upon local knowledge, our neighbours, and on volunteers.
In the end, we need a wartime mindset. We cannot afford the paralysis of fear or even of hope. We need to remind ourselves that even in recent history, people in democracies have joined shoulder to shoulder and ultimately survived with their ideals intact to create a better world than existed before.
Those dark, lurking forces behind the fascists would just be "rich people". At some point, large-enough riches will corrupt even your love of country.
Fascist-but-still-a-little-socialist Cuba to the contrary: nearly everywhere, fascism only shows up hand-in-hand with class war. Keep the minorities down, keep the poor down, ensure low taxes at the top. And so they get buy-in from the very richest.
Superb analysis of the concept of fascism. It's a shame that the term has been rendered impotent through overuse because real fascists do exist, and Trump is clearly one of them. This reminds me of Godwin's Law, that the longer the Internet argument, the greater the chance of a spurious comparison to Hitler. We should note that, contrary to the opinions of many Internet debaters, Mike Godwin said that comparing someone to Hitler does not automatically mean the person has lost the argument, because sometimes a comparison to Hitler is valid. And Godwin has explicitly said that comparing Trump to Hitler is one of those valid comparisons.
Trump has always fit the definition, and has normalized fascist discourse and action.
Rather than use that apt descriptor, fascist, Bernie Sanders has sensibly focused on the actions. His clear and simple statements reach into every corner of the country, and speak to every citizen, using examples from their everyday lives, citing everyday concerns. More democrats should learn his style. Tim Walz is another accomplished communicator.
The case of Hassan Diab, a Canadian academic falsely accused of involvement in the 1980 bombing of a Paris synagogue, exemplifies how fascist strategies operate to scapegoat individuals and undermine justice.
Diab’s ordeal, marked by a lack of credible evidence and repeated violations of his rights, reflects broader patterns of authoritarianism rooted in the deliberate targeting of “enemies” to justify extreme measures.
Fascism thrives on naming an “enemy” to consolidate power and provoke fear. In Diab’s case, the label of “terrorist” was weaponized despite overwhelming evidence that he was in Lebanon at the time of the bombing. This reflects a fascist mindset where truth is secondary to political expediency.
The word “terrorist,” pervasive in extremist rhetoric, serves as a tool to dehumanize and justify actions that defy legal and ethical norms. Central to fascism is the creation of scapegoats—individuals or groups blamed for societal issues through conspiracy theories masquerading as truth.
Diab became the focal point of such a narrative, with his case built on flimsy evidence and perpetuated by political pressures rather than justice. This mirrors historical fascist tactics where scapegoating is used to distract from systemic failures while fostering division.
Moreover, the denial of fundamental principles such as due process and international law underscores the authoritarian nature of this mindset. Despite repeated rulings by French judges favouring Diab’s release, higher authorities intervened to prolong his detention, revealing a system willing to override justice for political ends.
The broader context includes organizations like B’nai Brith Canada, which amplify fears of extremism while often conflating legitimate dissent with threats to public safety. Such rhetoric aligns with fascist tendencies to claim ownership over “truth,” promote victimhood narratives, and justify repressive measures.
Diab’s case is not an isolated instance but part of a dangerous trend where labeling, scapegoating, and denial of rights serve to erode democratic principles. It highlights the urgent need to resist these authoritarian tactics and uphold justice, human rights, and rule of law against the creeping normalization of fascist strategies.
Reading Paxton's definition of "fascism" I could not help but think of the KKK. The culture of the KKK fits all of Paxton's bullets. But does it serve any purpose to label the KKK fascist when "violent white supremacist" fits all too well?!
Ergo, the real problem with the term "fascism" is that it fits many of the worst authoritarian movements all too well.
I obviously have a new book to read - thanks for this. For me, the moment he said in his 2016 nomination speech, “I alone can fix it” was pretty decisive. There was much more evidence to come in that first term to support the “this is fascism” argument but that initial speech was foundational imho.
I’ve been convinced of the populist swerve towards fascism for a few years now especially after Brexit. One characteristic which Paxton highlights is the idea that everything is somehow an emergency and an emergency allows the suspension of legal process and the concentration of power in the hands of a leader or ‘fuhrer’. This was exactly the legitimation provided by the weasel words of German jurists to support Hitler.
Thanks indeed for this. I have several friends who think we are overreacting. This worries me. I am in Paris right now and the feeling here among many is that we are in so many ways back to 1933. It is scary. Even Trump’s firing of the Kennedy Centre for the Arts chair and putting himself in as chair is a reference to how the arts were controlled during the Nazi era. I shudder. Glad to see Bernie Sanders, AOC, and Tim Walz initiating tours to red state town halls. This needs to be outed - and known for what it is.
Until we have a better name for the current kind of evil that takes root in society and politics, “fascism” will do. You’re right Dan: “truth is contingent” in America now.
The idea that whatever is good for the fascist is declared "true" and what is not good for the fascist is declared "false" clarifies for me why Trump's incessant, compulsive, abhorrent lying disturbs me. As a psychological scientist, I have dedicated by life to determining what is true, what is actually the case, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable this task may be. When Trump lazily and flippantly redefines truth as contingent on whether something benefits him, it drives me crazy.
i harp on the criterion of (often just implied) violence in my post, but the great line is:
"Democracy depends upon shared truths; Fascism depends on shared lies".
It has been ever since that first administration, and the invention of the term "fake news".
For any label to influence people it has to resonate with them. However, most of us do not have a sophisticated political compass that allows for a clear and quick understanding of political terms and how to apply them. Fascist is no different really than dictator, autocrat, despot, totalitarian or tyrant. They are understood in vague, even pop culture terms, rather than in application to our own political systems and environments.
Captain America movies or History Channel documentaries leave impressions of what such people are that feel to many as having little to no linkage to our situations. The same is true for science fiction or fantasy characters such as in Dune or Game of Thrones. This is even more the case since our images link up with a finished product rather than the path taken to get there. And even then, the most effective fascists and autocrats ensure that there is at least a remaining veneer of respectability.
I served three diplomatic postings in countries widely described as autocratic Soeharto’s Indonesia, Biya’s Cameroon and Mugabe’s Zimbabwe. None of them would immediately link up with our hazy notions of fascism, dictatorship or autocracy. That was cold comfort though to people feeling the pain being inflicted by those regimes.
But the recent arrest of Mahmoud Khalil produces an almost PTSD response in me. It is reminiscent of so many arrests of opposition figures we saw during our assignments - chilling for its implications and its impact on the individual and unsettling for its seeming ability to point to a normalcy and application of rule of law.
Thank you for this. For the past year I have been revisiting the works of Hannah Arendt and read Project 2025. Hannah Arendt's works are clearer. But I have not been able to shake the feeling that lurking behind Trump's facism is a far more evil and organized governing force, a groups with well stocked bunkers powered by renewable power and AI, a group that has little need for more than a sliver of humanity and who will happily step in once Trump is gone.
They are driven by power and the ruthless certainty that they have achieved global dominance because they are brighter, more deserving and the next stage of humanity.
Dystopian fiction such as 1984, Brave New World,and Kafka's The Trial toy with totalitarianism but come out of a less globalized and integrated world than the one we are living in. What would these authors be writing now?
I am not holding my breath waiting for the overthrow. For those of us who live in the remaining democracies, it is time to cut all links to the technologies controlled by the tech bros backing Trump.
We need to double down on acquiring (or honing) traditional skills and self reliance and then rebuild an economy and government that is not completely dependent on high tech and fossil fuels. We need community resilience in terms of health, food, education and social connections.
To do all of this, we must build on what already exists and with labor that may not be fully compensated in dollars, but are compensated by our thanks gratitude and reciprocal labor. No matter if there is redundancy or duplication.
There is no time to tear things down and to build from scratch. This means fixing up and revamping existing buildings, roads and infrastructure. We need to rely upon local knowledge, our neighbours, and on volunteers.
In the end, we need a wartime mindset. We cannot afford the paralysis of fear or even of hope. We need to remind ourselves that even in recent history, people in democracies have joined shoulder to shoulder and ultimately survived with their ideals intact to create a better world than existed before.
Those dark, lurking forces behind the fascists would just be "rich people". At some point, large-enough riches will corrupt even your love of country.
Fascist-but-still-a-little-socialist Cuba to the contrary: nearly everywhere, fascism only shows up hand-in-hand with class war. Keep the minorities down, keep the poor down, ensure low taxes at the top. And so they get buy-in from the very richest.
Superb analysis of the concept of fascism. It's a shame that the term has been rendered impotent through overuse because real fascists do exist, and Trump is clearly one of them. This reminds me of Godwin's Law, that the longer the Internet argument, the greater the chance of a spurious comparison to Hitler. We should note that, contrary to the opinions of many Internet debaters, Mike Godwin said that comparing someone to Hitler does not automatically mean the person has lost the argument, because sometimes a comparison to Hitler is valid. And Godwin has explicitly said that comparing Trump to Hitler is one of those valid comparisons.
Excellent post once again, Dan Gardner. Been following your work for years. Always insightful and grounded.
If it walks like a duck…
Too bad that the word has been diluted by misunderstanding. Dangerous times.
Trump has always fit the definition, and has normalized fascist discourse and action.
Rather than use that apt descriptor, fascist, Bernie Sanders has sensibly focused on the actions. His clear and simple statements reach into every corner of the country, and speak to every citizen, using examples from their everyday lives, citing everyday concerns. More democrats should learn his style. Tim Walz is another accomplished communicator.
Great piece Dan. I think we tend to overuse the word ‘fascist’ and the meaning gets watered down.
I think you mentioned or quoted ‘lazy’. Totally agree.
The telling part you quoted (I think Paxton) was that fascism is best defined by what they do.
Hassan Diab’s nightmare and the ‘fascist agenda’
The case of Hassan Diab, a Canadian academic falsely accused of involvement in the 1980 bombing of a Paris synagogue, exemplifies how fascist strategies operate to scapegoat individuals and undermine justice.
Diab’s ordeal, marked by a lack of credible evidence and repeated violations of his rights, reflects broader patterns of authoritarianism rooted in the deliberate targeting of “enemies” to justify extreme measures.
Fascism thrives on naming an “enemy” to consolidate power and provoke fear. In Diab’s case, the label of “terrorist” was weaponized despite overwhelming evidence that he was in Lebanon at the time of the bombing. This reflects a fascist mindset where truth is secondary to political expediency.
The word “terrorist,” pervasive in extremist rhetoric, serves as a tool to dehumanize and justify actions that defy legal and ethical norms. Central to fascism is the creation of scapegoats—individuals or groups blamed for societal issues through conspiracy theories masquerading as truth.
Diab became the focal point of such a narrative, with his case built on flimsy evidence and perpetuated by political pressures rather than justice. This mirrors historical fascist tactics where scapegoating is used to distract from systemic failures while fostering division.
Moreover, the denial of fundamental principles such as due process and international law underscores the authoritarian nature of this mindset. Despite repeated rulings by French judges favouring Diab’s release, higher authorities intervened to prolong his detention, revealing a system willing to override justice for political ends.
The broader context includes organizations like B’nai Brith Canada, which amplify fears of extremism while often conflating legitimate dissent with threats to public safety. Such rhetoric aligns with fascist tendencies to claim ownership over “truth,” promote victimhood narratives, and justify repressive measures.
Diab’s case is not an isolated instance but part of a dangerous trend where labeling, scapegoating, and denial of rights serve to erode democratic principles. It highlights the urgent need to resist these authoritarian tactics and uphold justice, human rights, and rule of law against the creeping normalization of fascist strategies.
Reading Paxton's definition of "fascism" I could not help but think of the KKK. The culture of the KKK fits all of Paxton's bullets. But does it serve any purpose to label the KKK fascist when "violent white supremacist" fits all too well?!
Ergo, the real problem with the term "fascism" is that it fits many of the worst authoritarian movements all too well.
I obviously have a new book to read - thanks for this. For me, the moment he said in his 2016 nomination speech, “I alone can fix it” was pretty decisive. There was much more evidence to come in that first term to support the “this is fascism” argument but that initial speech was foundational imho.
Paxton’s word, written as you say in 2004, are chilling. It fits MAGA to a tee
Thanks for this
Israel, Netanyahu
I’ve been convinced of the populist swerve towards fascism for a few years now especially after Brexit. One characteristic which Paxton highlights is the idea that everything is somehow an emergency and an emergency allows the suspension of legal process and the concentration of power in the hands of a leader or ‘fuhrer’. This was exactly the legitimation provided by the weasel words of German jurists to support Hitler.