Fascism developed after the First World War and spread throughout Europe. After the Second World War nazism became the dominant model for most fascist movements. There are fascist movements in every country in Europe and beyond.

The term nazi comes from Hitler’s National Socialist German Workers Party. The first fascist party was that of the Italian dictator Mussolini. The terms neo-nazi and neo-fascist are often used to refer to more recent versions of these extreme, hard right movements.

Although fascism adapts to local conditions and with the times there are several unifying features. Key features are found in ideology and practice which are intertwined and rooted in the machismo of militarism. Ideology is based on ultra-nationalism, elitism and racism. Practice is authoritarian and undemocratic, together with the use of violence in pursuit of power. Another defining feature is fascism’s oppositions: to communism, liberalism, internationalism and rationalism.

There have always been two strands of fascism: the electoral path to power and the use of violence. Mussolini and Hitler came to power through the democratic process. At the same time they used paramilitary terrorism, creating a climate of fear to intimidate their opponents. These two strands are always in tension. Violence alienates potential electoral support but toning down the violence to appear respectable alienates the activists. The balance between these two shifts over time. Currently the BNP is managing the tension by pursuing the electoral path whilst distancing itself from violence. In doing so it loses support from some of its core supporters who move to more extreme groups such as the National Front complaining that the BNP has gone soft. Of course, violence is never far away from the BNP and frequently breaks out. Wherever the BNP is active in recruiting support and contesting elections incidents of abuse, threats and violence increases.

Fascists pursuing power through the ballot box try to appear respectable and so their stated policies belie what they intend. It is important to get behind the deceit and lies.

Fascist ultra-nationalism and racism are rooted in notions of identity based on shared history and culture as opposed to shared values.

They scapegoat particular groups. In Europe, white supremacy and race hatred are central to fascist thinking. They support apartheid and repatriation. BNP leader Nick Griffin was convicted for inciting racial hatred. They have targeted immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees as the source of all problems in society. They want to repatriate non-whites in order to keep Britain for what they regard as the indigenous whites.

Fascists are totally against democracy. They do not believe in elections or free speech or allowing other political parties. Their aim is to establish a one-party totalitarian state which takes charge of all parts of people’s lives. For public consumption they claim to support and exemplify the democratic process.

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