This page is a resource for notes on the main blog posts, for useful definitions, and for anything else that doesn’t feel like a full post.

What is Fascism?
Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian political ideology that emphasizes the supremacy of the nation or race, often led by a dictatorial leader who wields unchecked power. It is characterized by the rejection of democracy, liberalism, and individual rights, favoring instead a centralized and autocratic system of governance. At its core, fascism promotes strict social hierarchies and aggressive nationalism, often intertwining national identity with notions of racial or cultural superiority. Fascist ideologies typically glorify the state as an entity that supersedes individual freedoms, demanding loyalty and unity from its citizens above all else.

Fascist regimes rely heavily on the suppression of dissent, utilizing state-controlled propaganda to manipulate public opinion and maintain control. They frequently use censorship and control over the media to eliminate alternative viewpoints and consolidate power. Militarism is a central feature, as fascist states often emphasize the importance of a strong military not only for defense but also as a tool of expansion and dominance. This militaristic mindset is tied to a belief in the inherent value of struggle and conquest, often glorifying war as a means of achieving national greatness.

Historical examples of fascist regimes include Mussolini’s Italy and Hitler’s Nazi Germany, both of which used fascist principles to establish and maintain totalitarian control. Mussolini’s Italy pioneered the ideology, blending nationalist fervor with corporatist economic policies that aligned the interests of the state with those of industrialists while suppressing labor unions and leftist movements. Hitler’s Nazi Germany expanded on these ideas by incorporating an extreme form of racial hierarchy, targeting Jews, Romani people, and other minority groups in a campaign of systemic oppression and genocide. Both regimes sought to consolidate power through propaganda, violent suppression of opposition, and policies of territorial expansion, leading to catastrophic consequences during World War II.

Beyond these historical cases, fascism has inspired movements in other parts of the world, adapting its core principles to local contexts. It remains a subject of concern in modern political discourse, where elements of its ideology, such as ultranationalism, authoritarianism, and xenophobia, can resurface in different forms. Fascism’s enduring appeal often stems from its ability to exploit societal fears during times of economic, political, or social crisis, presenting itself as a solution to instability through unity, strength, and discipline.

What is a Democratic Socialist?
A democratic socialist is someone who advocates for a political system that combines democratic governance with social ownership of key economic resources. Democratic socialism seeks to move beyond capitalism by ensuring that the means of production, such as major industries, utilities, and essential services, are managed for the collective benefit of society rather than for private profit. While deeply committed to democratic principles, democratic socialists argue that true political democracy cannot exist without economic democracy.

Key features of democratic socialism include:

1. Social Ownership: Advocating for public, cooperative, or community control of essential industries and services, ensuring that wealth generated by society benefits everyone rather than a small elite.
2. Economic Democracy: Encouraging worker participation and decision-making in economic planning, production, and distribution, fostering shared responsibility and accountability.
3. Equality and Social Justice: Prioritizing policies that eradicate poverty, reduce wealth concentration, and guarantee access to the necessities of life, including housing, healthcare, and education.
4. Participatory Democracy: Expanding democratic decision-making beyond the ballot box into workplaces, communities, and institutions to ensure citizens have a voice in shaping their collective future.
5. Sustainability and Solidarity: Promoting an economy rooted in ecological balance and social cooperation, rejecting exploitation of people or the environment for short-term gain.

Democratic socialists differ from social democrats in that they do not seek merely to reform capitalism, but to replace it with a more equitable, democratically controlled system. They envision a society where economic power serves human need and collective well-being, not private accumulation. Examples of democratic socialist movements and parties can be found in countries such as Norway, Germany, and, increasingly, within progressive factions of North American politics.

What is a Social Democrat?
A social democrat is someone who advocates for a political ideology that combines democratic governance with policies aimed at reducing economic inequality, while promoting social welfare through a mixed economy. Social democrats support capitalism as the foundation of the economy, yet emphasize the need for strong government intervention to ensure fairness, equality, and protection of the public good.

Key features of social democracy include:

1. Economic Regulation: Supporting free markets while advocating for government regulation of industries to prevent monopolies, protect workers, and address environmental concerns.
2. Social Welfare Systems: Establishing robust public programs such as universal healthcare, education, and pensions to guarantee a safety net for all citizens.
3. Progressive Taxation: Using taxes to redistribute wealth and fund social programs, aiming to reduce income and wealth disparities.
4. Worker Protections: Supporting labor rights, including unionization, fair wages, and workplace safety standards.
5. Democratic Framework: Operating within a system of representative democracy, emphasizing individual freedoms, human rights, and the rule of law.

Social democrats believe in balancing the benefits of capitalism—such as innovation and economic growth—with social policies that prioritize equity and public welfare. Examples of social democratic governance can be found in Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Denmark, where elevated levels of social spending coexist with thriving market economies.