FASCISM CRITICIZE THE FIRST IDEOLOGY FROM THE STANDPOINT OF LIBERALISM

Fascism begun during the 1920s and ’30s partially out of fear of the increasing power of the working classes; it differed from contemporary communism as practiced under Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union by its protection of commerce and landowning elites and its preservation of class systems. The leaders of the fascist governments of Italy (1922–43), Germany (1933–45), and Spain (1939–75)—Benito Mussolini, Adolf Hitler, and Francisco Franco—were perceived by their publics as embodiments of the power and resolve necessary to liberate their nations from political and economic chaos as well as confusion . Japanese fascists (1936–45) encouraged belief in the uniqueness of the Japanese spirit and taught subordination to the state and personal sacrifice.

Fascism is guided by three core tenets among others. Pro fascists scholars and ideologists do believe as well as advocate for a number of these tenets;

First, they believe that nationalism is the main basis of fascism. They view a nation state as a harmonious whole which unites people on the basis of their origin and is a normal unifying factor of public. In their accord, fascism aims to solve economic, political, as well as social plights the publics face by achieving a millenarian countrywide rebirth, promoting cults of harmony, strength as well as transparency. Fascist movements in Europe all classically espoused a discriminatory conception of non-Europeans as being inferior to Europeans, thus this is a form of racial profiling. Beyond this however, fascists in the Europe region have not held an integrated set of racial and ethnic views.

Secondly, pro fascists encourage the development of a totalitarian state. The Doctrine of Fascism puts across, “The Fascist scrutiny of the State is comprehensive; outside of the state, no individual or divine values can exist, much less have significance. Thus it is understood, Fascism is authoritarian in nature, and so is the Fascist nation State—a combination and a unit comprising of all values—interprets, builds up, as well as potentiates the entire life of a people.” On a Legal foundation of the Totaitarianl State, Nazi theorist Carl Schmitt portrayed the Nazi objective to outline a “powerful nation state which warrants a totality of political harmony which goes beyond all diversity” so as to evade a “devastating pluralism tearing the German public apart”. Fascist nation states practised policies of societal indoctrination through the use propaganda in schooling and the media as well as the rules and regulations of the production of learning and media materials. To that extent therefore, education was designed to elevate the fascist movement and enlighten learners of its political and historical significance to the nation. It aimed at elimination of ideas that were not consistent with the principles of the fascist groups and to educate students to be compliant to the state.

Lastly, pro fascists advocate for Third Position economics whereby such economics is considered a “third position” substitute to Marxism and capitalism , since fascism declares both as being outdated and obsolete.

Pro fascists also believed in totalitarianism, single party state, dictatorship, militarism as well as direct action among others which are all salient features of totalitarian regimes.

Fascism was succeeded by Neo fascism which like earlier fascist movements, neofascism championed extreme nationalism, did not support liberal individualism, attacked Marxist and other left-wing ideologies, indulged in racist and xenophobic scapegoating, and promoted populist right-wing economic programs.

Liberalist on the other hand as well is a product of the idealist school of thought. Unlike the realists who say that the state/nation state is the sole actor in the international system, Idealists and in this case liberalists advocate for creation of non state actors which should co exist with the state actors in the International system.

Liberals advocate for a wide array of opinions and views depending on their understanding of these principles as well as tenets, but they generally support ideas such as free, fair and transparent elections, issues to do with civil and related rights, freedom of the media and press, freedom of association and religion, issues to do with free trade, and private ownership of property. Liberals are against traditional conservatism and also seek to change absolutism in government regimes with democracy and republicanism as well as the rule of law.

Liberalists argue that a nation state should submit some of its sovereignty and allow for non state actors to form part of the International system such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) which is a non state actor that eases the exchange of goods and services in the International System.

Liberalists believe that its only through free and fair elections that a democratic government can be achieved. Of importance is peace in the International System. The Democratic peace theory states that with an increase in democracies in the world then the end result is sustainable peace in the International system. This has been evident in the growth and development of non democracies to democracies since in recent times the increase in the number of democracies has had the end product of sustained peace in the international system.

Finally, pro liberalist advocate for political freedom. They believe that this freedom has a number of advantages when it comes to matters of achieving democratic governments. Political freedom therefore is the according to liberalists is the foundation upon which other forms of liberty depend upon; freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of movement among others.

This paper thus seeks to critique the fascist vis a vis the liberalist points of view in one of or the following ways; In as much as the fascist approach which embraces autocratic forms of government in practice to achieve social, economic political and other forms of development. This perspective is subject to modern criticism, for instance, one such Nation state that does not reflect and support this fascist perspective is the North Korean nation state. For decades this state has not developed socially, economically and politically but on the other hand its totalitarian leadership has focused on military superiority thus losing sight on the basic issues of human and related rights. On the other hand most governments in the international system have embraced liberalism, they have developed socially, economically and politically.

Fascist governments, being totalitarian in nature more often than not hold free and fair elections. This implies lack of democracy and consequently may lead to political instability and thus war or a revolution .One reason of the Arab Spring Revolution of 2011 to date (on going in Syria) was propelled by the citizens glamour for change against totalitarian regimes. It led to political instability in the Arab League region.

In conclusion therefore it would be naïve to state that compared to liberalism, fascism is effective. In the present day international system ,in as much as fascisms exists in its smallest portions, it is becoming extinct whereas on the other hand liberalism is at the center stage of play in the international arena.

REFERENCE

John, P 1998, The Fascist Experience in Italy. Routledge, United Kingdom

Shaw, G K 1988, Keynesian Economics: The Permanent Revolution. Aldershot, England