1.

Powerful and Continuing Nationalism

Powerful and Continuing Nationalism is a crucial feature of fascism that emphasizes the
supremacy of the nation and the unity of its citizens. This feature is achieved through the use of
propaganda, education, and the suppression of dissent. An interwar example of Powerful and
Continuing Nationalism can be seen in Nazi Germany, where Hitler's regime heavily emphasized
the importance of the German nation and its superiority over other nations. Hitler's speeches and
propaganda often portrayed the German people as a superior race, and the regime used
education and youth organizations to indoctrinate young Germans with Nazi ideology. A modern-
day example of Powerful and Continuing Nationalism can be seen in China, where the ruling
Communist Party promotes a strong sense of national identity and loyalty to the state. The regime
uses propaganda and education to reinforce the importance of Chinese sovereignty and its role
in the world.

Primary Sources:
Hitler, A. (1925). Mein Kampf. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

China Central Television. (2019). Speech by President Xi Jinping at the Ceremony Marking the 70th
Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China.

Secondary Sources:
Griffin, R. (1993). The Nature of Fascism. Routledge.

Li, M. (2018). Nationalism and the State in Contemporary China. Springer.

2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights

Disdain for the recognition of human rights is a key feature of fascist regimes. It refers to
the disregard of individual liberties and the supremacy of the state over the rights of citizens. In
Nazi Germany, the government deprived Jews and other minorities of their rights, and the Gestapo
carried out arbitrary arrests and torture. In Fascist Italy, Mussolini suppress political opposition and
restricted freedom of speech and assembly. Imperial Japan similarly oppressed Korean and
Chinese minorities, using them as forced labor. A modern-day example of this feature is North
Korea, where the government controls every aspect of citizens' lives, restricts freedom of
expression, and imprisons and tortures those who criticize the regime. In 2014, the United Nations
reported "systematic, widespread and gross human rights violations" in North Korea.

Primary sources:
Nazi Germany: Hitler, A. (1925). Mein Kampf. Munich: Franz Eher Verlag.

North Korea: United Nations. (2014). Report of the commission of inquiry on human rights in the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea. New York: United Nations.

Secondary sources:
Payne, S. G. (1995). A history of fascism, 1914-1945. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Press.

Human Rights Watch. (2021). World report 2021: North Korea. Retrieved from
https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2021/country-chapters/north-korea
3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause

The identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause is a key feature of fascism.

This refers to the use of a common enemy, often a minority group, as a means to unite the
population behind the ruling regime. In Nazi Germany, Jews were demonized and blamed for the
country's economic and social problems. In Fascist Italy, Mussolini blamed communists and
socialists for the country's woes. Similarly, Imperial Japan used Chinese and Korean minorities as
scapegoats. A modern-day example of this feature can be seen in Russia, where President Putin
and his government have used anti-Western sentiment to unite the population and justify their
actions. The government has also targeted LGBT individuals and opposition figures, labeling them
as "enemies of the state."

Primary sources:
Nazi Germany: Hitler, A. (1925). Mein Kampf. Munich: Franz Eher Verlag.

Russia: Putin, V. (2014). Speech to the Federal Assembly. Moscow: President of Russia.

Secondary sources:
Griffin, R. (2000). The nature of fascism. New York: St. Martin's Press.

Human Rights Watch. (2021). Russia. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/world-

report/2021/country-chapters/russia
4. Supremacy of the Military

The supremacy of the military is another feature of fascism, which refers to the
prioritization of military power and the belief that a strong military is essential for national security
and success. In Nazi Germany, the military played a central role in the regime's power and
expansionist policies. Imperial Japan also emphasized the importance of the military, with its
expansionist goals relying heavily on military force. A modern-day example of this feature can be
seen in North Korea, where the military is a central pillar of the regime's power and ideology. The
country's ruling party, the Workers' Party of Korea, has placed great emphasis on the military and
has developed a "military-first" policy, which prioritizes military spending and development over
other sectors.

Primary sources:
Nazi Germany: Hitler, A. (1933). The Aims of German Foreign Policy. Berlin: Reichstag.

North Korea: Kim, J. (2018). New Year's Address. Pyongyang: Korean Central News Agency.

Secondary sources:
Paxton, R. O. (2004). The anatomy of fascism. New York: Vintage Books.

Joo, S. (2013). The military in North Korea. In S. Joo & H. Kim (Eds.), Militaries and democratization:
The future of democratic civil-military relations in East Asia (pp. 107-132). New York: Routledge.
5. Rampant Sexism

Rampant sexism is a feature of fascism that involves the belief in the superiority of one
gender over the other and the systemic oppression of women. In Nazi Germany, women were
viewed as subservient to men and were relegated to traditional roles as wives and mothers.
Imperial Japan also had a patriarchal society that limited women's roles to that of caretakers and
homemakers. In modern-day India, there are concerns about rampant sexism, particularly in terms
of violence against women and limited representation in politics and the workforce. The country
has a deeply ingrained patriarchal culture, which has resulted in a high incidence of gender-based
violence and discrimination.

Primary sources:
Nazi Germany: Hitler, A. (1933). Mein Kampf. Munich: Franz Eher Nachfolger.

India: Indian Parliament. (2013). The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013. New Delhi:
Government of India.

Secondary sources:
Griffin, R. (1995). The nature of fascism. New York: St. Martin's Press.

Sen, A. (2003). Missing women. The British Medical Journal, 327(7417), 1297-1298. doi:
10.1136/bmj.327.7427.1297
6. Controlled Mass Media

Controlled Mass Media is one of the features of fascism that involves the manipulation
and control of the media by the ruling government to spread propaganda and suppress opposing
views. This feature aims to control the public narrative and ensure that only the government's
perspective is presented to the people. An interwar example of this feature is Nazi Germany's
control of the media through Joseph Goebbels' Ministry of Propaganda, which heavily censored
and controlled the press and the arts. In modern times, China is an example of a country with
Controlled Mass Media, with the Chinese government using strict censorship laws and state-
owned media to suppress dissenting views and promote the government's agenda.

Primary Sources:
BBC News. (2019, December 19). China's Internet Censorship: How They Do It. BBC.
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/stories-49527899

American Historical Association. (2020, February 13). Joseph Goebbels on Total War.
https://www.historians.org/about-aha-and-membership/aha-history-and-archives/gi-roundtable-
series/pamphlets/em-2-what-is-propaganda-(1944)/enemy-propaganda

Secondary Sources:
Stanley, J. (2018). China's Party-State Media: Structure, Control and Propaganda. Journal of
Contemporary China, 27(114), 476-490.

Welch, D. (1999, December 4). The Goebbels Diaries. The Guardian.

7. Obsession with National Security

The obsession with national security is a common feature of fascist regimes, where the
state prioritizes the protection of the country over individual rights and freedoms. This often leads
to the expansion of the military and police forces, and the suppression of dissenting voices. An
example of this feature can be seen in Nazi Germany, where Hitler emphasized the need for a
strong military to protect the country's interests and expand its power. In the modern day, many
countries continue to prioritize national security over individual rights, often leading to the erosion
of civil liberties. One example is the United States, where the post-9/11 "War on Terror" led to
increased surveillance of citizens and the creation of controversial policies such as the Patriot Act.
This has been criticized by some as an infringement on civil liberties in the name of national
security.

Primary sources:
U.S. Congress. (2001). Patriot Act. 107th Congress, 1st sess.

The White House. (2018). National Security Strategy of the United States. September.

Secondary sources:
Feldman, J. (2004). The new obsession with national security. The Annals of the American
Academy of Political and Social Science, 594(1), 14-31.

Deudney, D., & Ikenberry, G. J. (1999). The nature and sources of liberal international order. Review
of International Studies, 25(2), 179-196.
8. Religion and Government are Intertwined

Religion and Government being intertwined is a common feature of fascism that involves
the integration of religious institutions and the state. The primary objective of this feature is to
create a sense of moral authority and legitimacy for the regime. An interwar example of this
feature can be observed in Fascist Italy, where the Catholic Church played a significant role in
promoting the fascist ideology and supporting the regime. A modern-day example of Religion and
Government being intertwined is in Saudi Arabia, where the government uses its religious
institutions to promote the official interpretation of Islam and to legitimize its rule. The regime
has established a religious police force to enforce Islamic law and ensure that the citizens adhere
to the official interpretation of Islam.

Primary Sources:
Mussolini, B. (1935). The Doctrine of Fascism. Casa Editrice Gentile.

Saudi Arabia Ministry of Interior. (2018). The General Directorate for the Affairs of Al-Madinah Al-
Munawwarah Region.

Secondary Sources:
Payne, S. G. (1995). A History of Fascism, 1914-1945. University of Wisconsin Press.

Al-Rasheed, M. (2013). A History of Saudi Arabia. Cambridge University Press.

9. Corporate Power is Protected
Corporate Power is Protected is a feature of fascism that involves the close relationship
between the state and powerful corporations. In fascist regimes, the government works to protect
and promote the interests of these corporations, often at the expense of workers and other
groups. An interwar example of this feature can be seen in Fascist Italy, where the government
worked closely with large corporations to promote economic growth and stability. The regime
used propaganda and labor laws to suppress dissent and ensure the cooperation of workers with
the interests of corporations. A modern-day example of Corporate Power is Protected can be
seen in the United States, where many powerful corporations have significant influence over
government policies and legislation. This is seen in the ability of large corporations to lobby
politicians and influence elections, as well as in the lack of government regulation of industries
like healthcare and finance.

Primary Sources:
Mussolini, B. (1932). The Doctrine of Fascism. Enciclopedia Italiana.

Trump, D. J. (2019). Executive Order on Promoting Energy Infrastructure and Economic Growth.
The White House.

Secondary Sources:
Paxton, R. O. (2005). The anatomy of fascism. Vintage.

Mayer, J. (2016). Dark money: The hidden history of the billionaires behind the rise of the radical
right. Doubleday.
10. Labor Power is Suppressed

Labor Power is Suppressed is a feature of fascism that involves the restriction of workers'
rights and the suppression of labor unions. This feature is aimed at promoting the interests of
corporations and the state over those of workers. An interwar example of this feature can be seen
in Fascist Italy, where Mussolini's regime abolished independent trade unions and replaced them
with government-controlled organizations. Workers who attempted to organize outside of these
state-controlled unions were subject to harsh penalties and imprisonment. A modern-day
example of Labor Power is Suppressed can be seen in North Korea, where the government strictly
controls all aspects of the economy, including labor unions. The regime prohibits independent
trade unions and forces workers to join government-controlled organizations. Dissent or attempts
to organize outside of these state-controlled unions are harshly punished, often resulting in
imprisonment and forced labor.

Primary Sources:
Kim, K. (2015). Labor market institutions and wage inequality in North Korea. Comparative
Economic Studies, 57(3), 375-395. doi: 10.1057/ces.2014.32

Secondary Sources:
Dae-Sook, S. (2014). North Korea: A Political Handbook. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts

Disdain for intellectuals and the arts is one of the defining features of fascism. It is
characterized by a rejection of intellectualism, critical thinking, and artistic expression, and a
preference for simplistic, populist messages. In fascist regimes, intellectuals and artists are often
targeted for censorship, persecution, and violence. An interwar example of this feature is Nazi
Germany, where the regime banned and burned books that did not conform to Nazi ideology,
and persecuted and murdered intellectuals and artists who were deemed undesirable
or degenerate. In modern times, this feature can be seen in countries such as North Korea, where
the regime tightly controls access to information and suppresses artistic expression, and in China,
where the government has implemented strict censorship laws and persecuted intellectuals and
artists who criticize the regime.

Primary sources:
Goebbels, J. (1948). The Decadence of Literature. In L.P. Lochner (Ed.), The Goebbels Diaries, 1939-
1941 (pp. 184-189). Doubleday.

Secondary sources:
Kershaw, I. (2015). The Nazi dictatorship: Problems and perspectives of interpretation (4th ed.).
Bloomsbury Academic.

Lee, S.-K. (2018). The cultural politics of revolutionary mass criticism in North Korea. Critical Asian
Studies, 50(1), 69-90.
12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment

Obsession with Crime and Punishment is a common feature of fascism, where the state
emphasizes law and order and punishes dissent harshly. In fascist regimes, laws are created to
suppress any opposition, and the government maintains a tight grip on law enforcement. An
interwar example of this feature is Nazi Germany, where the regime criminalized homosexuality,
drug use, and even dissenting opinions. Those who were seen as threats to the state were
arrested, tortured, and executed. In modern times, an example of this feature can be seen in
China's crackdown on dissent, particularly in the Xinjiang region. The Chinese government has
labeled Uighur Muslims and other minorities as terrorists and extremists, and has implemented
policies that allow for arbitrary detention and mass surveillance. Reports indicate that over a
million Uighurs have been detained in "re-education" camps, where they are subject to physical
and psychological torture.

Primary sources:
Jewish Virtual Library. (n.d.). Nazis and Nazi Collaborators (Punishment) Law 1950. Retrieved from
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/nazis-and-nazi-collaborators-punishment-law-1950

Secondary sources:
Albright, M. (2018). Fascism: A Warning. HarperCollins.

Zenz, A. (2020). China's Xinjiang Policy: A Critical Assessment. Journal of Political Risk, 8(7), 1-25.
13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption

Rampant cronyism and corruption are features commonly associated with fascist regimes.
In such systems, a small group of elites gain power and use their positions to accumulate wealth
and influence, while subverting institutions meant to prevent corruption. An example of this
during the interwar period can be seen in Nazi Germany, where high-ranking members of the Nazi
Party enriched themselves through various means, including the confiscation of Jewish property.
Today, corruption and cronyism continue to be pervasive issues in many countries, including India.
According to a report by Transparency International, corruption is still widespread in India, with
government officials often engaging in bribery and other corrupt activities. Additionally, a small
group of elites control much of the country's wealth and resources, leading to significant
inequality and an uneven distribution of power.

Primary sources:
Indian Penal Code. (1860). Retrieved from
https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/2263?sam_handle=123456789/1362

Secondary sources:
Paxton, R. O. (2005). The anatomy of fascism. Vintage.

Banerjee, A. (2018). "India’s corruption problem". Council on Foreign Relations:

https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/governance-india-corruption
14. Fraudulent Elections

Fraudulent Elections is a common feature of fascism. It refers to the practice of

manipulating electoral processes to ensure that the ruling party or individual remains in power.
In fascist states, elections were often rigged or simply canceled, with the opposition being denied
a fair chance at political power. An interwar example of fraudulent elections can be found in Nazi
Germany, where Adolf Hitler and his Nazi party came to power through a combination of
manipulation and violence. In modern times, fraudulent elections continue to be a feature of
fascist regimes. One recent example can be found in Myanmar, where the military junta seized
power in February 2021 and subsequently held a fraudulent election in November of that year.
The election was widely criticized as being rigged, with the military-backed party claiming victory
despite widespread opposition.

Primary Sources.
United Nations General Assembly. (2021, June 18). Situation of human rights in Myanmar. United
Nations. https://undocs.org/en/A/75/173

Secondary Sources:
Levitsky, S., & Ziblatt, D. (2018). How democracies die. Crown.

Diamond, L. (2019). Ill Winds: Saving Democracy from Russian Rage, Chinese Ambition, and
American Complacency. Penguin Press.