My nagging question: why does fascism keep raising its ugly head? It is a failed system that leads to the eventual self-destruction of nations
I maintain many personal connections in Europe and elsewhere. I have met so many with whom I share what values we have in common. When given the opportunity to express themselves in a democracy, the extremes and the middle have a chance to be heard. A recent phenomenon throughout the democracies of the world is the small but vocal voices of neo nazis who seem to find glory in hatred. bigotry, and disharmony. Yes, I do mean elements within the MAGA movement that leave me wondering why. Fascism of the past and neo fascism today worship forms of governance that only lead to the defeat and destruction of their societies and their forms of governance. Thousands are persecuted and many die as victims of such hatred of "others." Economies dominated by fascist like leaders. whether in Russia or their allies. struggle and fail to realize the potential of the well-being of the nations as a whole. Fascism destroyed Germany, reducing it to rubble, and it lost a generation of those killed in the war. In South America, fascism brought economic stagnation and crippled their reaching their full potential. Fascism and the devotion to gaining and keeping political power make for infertile grounds for economic development. Those struggles that continue to this day, as periodic rising fascism sets back democracy until the voice of reason gains power again. In the US, the voices of white supremacy in a land that is fast approaching the time when their majority is replaced by those of many colors, are the theme of too many within the MAGA movement. Their emergence to the halls of power brings elements of destruction to domestic tranquility as the leaders favor their own racial group and try to suppress the power of "others". That is a repeat history of which brings nothing positive to our civilization, but hatred and division., Why?
Why the devotion of some to such a failed governance model is my nagging question. I just don't get it. There are studies that arrive at some conclusions. Some in academia attribute it to "widening wealth gaps, rapid technological shifts, cultural anxiety, and a loss of faith in traditional systems..." , elements that certainly exist in the US in 2025. (sources::below)
- Anti-Democratic Erosion: Attacks on judiciary, press, and electoral integrity; loyalty prioritized over rule of law.
- Nationalist & Populist Authoritarianism: Strong focus on national identity, often tied to racial or cultural purity, appealing to public fears about immigration and economic insecurity.
- Dehumanizing "Us vs. Them" Rhetoric: Using language to demonize opponents, migrants (e.g., "vermin"), or minorities, similar to historical fascist propaganda.
- Technological & Media Influence: Leveraging social media (like X) to amplify misinformation, weaken trust in institutions, and bypass traditional gatekeepers, notes The Guardian.
- Global Networking: Far-right parties, thinkers, and militants cooperate internationally, sharing strategies and building support.
- "Legal Phase" Fascism: Efforts to use existing legal and governmental structures (like Project 2025 in the U.S.) to consolidate power, not just through coups but through seemingly constitutional means, says The Guardian.
- United States: Concerns focus on the Trump movement, its challenges to democratic norms, use of dehumanizing language, and plans for mass deportations, say University of California, Berkeley and Lehigh University News.
- Europe: Protests in Germany against secret far-right meetings about "remigration" (mass deportation), and the rise of parties with fascist roots, like Italy's Brothers of Italy, highlight European concerns, note European Youth Portal and BBC News.
- Underlying Causes: Widening wealth gaps, rapid technological shifts, cultural anxiety, and a loss of faith in traditional systems fuel these movements, according to Keene State College and Berkeley News.
