Understanding the Political Philosophy of Fascism
Understanding the Political Philosophy of Fascism
Fascism, like Marxism, Socialism, Communism, Nazism, or Islamism, is fundamentally rooted in the belief that "We Must Rule Because We Are the Ethical Ones." This philosophy denies the existence of objective ethics, claiming instead that they have discovered the ultimate fundamental ethics or the perfect moral framework.
Denial of Objective Ethics
Fascists, much like their ideological counterparts, deny the existence of objective ethics. They believe they have discovered the truth and that their ethics are the only correct ones. They reject any competing ethical viewpoints, arguing that such alternatives are inferior or even dangerous.
Mobilizing Power and Coercion
Under fascist governance, the path to rule involves gathering resources, particularly weapons, and using force to suppress and take control of opponents. The logic behind this is straightforward: those who can muster the greatest strength and exert the most violence are the ones who are morally justified in ruling.
The might of a force is equated with both the right to rule and the right to impose their ethics on others. This belief is based on the notion that the ability to coerce others is proof of the righteousness of one's beliefs.
Creation of Justification through Coercion
To validate their governance, fascists and other totalitarian regimes engage in the creation of detailed policies and bureaucracies that align with their initial ethical beliefs. These policies and bureaucracies are designed to carry out the rulers' will, often leading to the implementation of elaborate systems of control and surveillance.
The Unique Aspect of Fascism
One distinguishing feature of Fascism is its unique organizational approach to property. Unlike Marxism, Socialism, and Communism, where the state owns all means of production, Fascism controls those who own property and the means of production. This subtle difference is a key aspect of how Fascism operates.
Impact and Scale of Death Tolls
While Fascism has a relatively lower recorded death toll compared to other totalitarian ideologies, it is still significant. Spanish, Italian, and South-American Fascism, often influenced by Social Democracy, were less racially driven. Conversely, Ukrainian, Japanese, German Fascism, and contemporary Neo-Nazi ideologies are heavily obsessed with race.
Marxism, Socialism, Communism, and Nazism, despite their differences, are all characterized by mass murder and the perpetration of significant human rights violations. It is estimated that these ideologies are responsible for the deaths of approximately 140 million people. In contrast, the Islamic world, with its history spanning 1400 years, is estimated to have been responsible for the deaths of about 270 million people.
The Human Element
The essence of fascism is rooted in individual human nature. Many individuals have the same fundamental beliefs as fascists, believing they have a right to coerce others if they disagree with how someone else is living. This belief is starkly opposed by radical individualists who argue that no one has the right to force others to comply with their wishes.
While radical individualism aligns with democratic values, it is far from the norm. Approximately 0.1 to 0.5% of the global population can be classified as radical individualists. This leaves most people, including Marxists, Socialists, Communists, Fascists, Islamists, and various other control-fetishists, with the belief that they have a right to rule and coerce.
Conclusion
The political philosophy of Fascism, as described, is a stark reminder of the dangers of ethical absolutism and the potential for such ideologies to lead to mass violence and oppression. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for combating the propagation of such harmful beliefs and promoting a more inclusive, fair, and ethical society.