Fascism is an authoritarian, ultranationalist ideology that emerged in early 20th-century Europe, glorifying the nation and a single leader, rejecting liberal democracy and using violence and propaganda to suppress opposition.
Key thinkers:Thomas Hobbes, Theodore Roosevelt, PlatoTake the test and your match with Fascism shows up here. It is worked out in your browser and never sent anywhere.
Fascist movements, such as Mussolini’s in Italy, promised national rebirth through a one-party state, militarism and the subordination of the individual to the nation. They opposed liberalism, socialism and communism alike.
Historians still debate which regimes and movements count as fascist. The word is also used loosely in political arguments, which is why scholars urge care when applying it.
The ideas that most people in this tradition would sign up to.
It emerged in Italy after the First World War and was influential in interwar Europe. Its defeat in the Second World War discredited it, though its legacy remains a subject of study.
Thinkers whose documented positions on the 12 axes align most closely with this ideology.
Philosopher of sovereignty · 1588–1679
He placed peace and protection at the center of political life, arguing that a common sovereign authority was necessary to prevent civil conflict.
“Undivided sovereignty rather than competing independent centers of power.”
Twenty-sixth US president · 1858–1919
The US president who broke up trusts, protected large areas of land for conservation and pursued an assertive foreign policy, and who ran again in 1912 on the Progressive ticket.
“The New Nationalism puts human welfare above property rights and wants property subject to the public good.”
Athenian philosopher · 428/427–348/347 BC
An Athenian philosopher and student of Socrates who, in The Republic, pictured a just city ruled by those trained to know the good, and who distrusted democracy.
“Strict state coordination of social functions, education, and economic classes in the ideal city.”
These are its strongest leanings, followed by all twelve axes. They describe the typical version of the tradition.
Leans very strongly toward Security
98% toward Security
Leans very strongly toward Nationalism
98% toward Nationalism
Leans very strongly toward Militarist
98% toward Militarist
Editorial estimates for comparison and discussion. Real people and parties in this tradition vary.
Every tradition has critics. These are the objections most often raised.
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The test scores you on all twelve axes and ranks every ideology by how well it matches you.