Fascism is a totalitarian ideology. It opposes liberalism, conservatism, and socialism. Fascism claims to be an elitist response to modern social and political problems which other ideologies are unable to resolve. Mussolini and Hitler are well known fascist dictators.
The main attributes of Fascism are:
(i) Need for a totalitarian state that regulates all parts of life deemed relevant topolitics
(ii) Belief that the state is more important than the individual
(iii) Rejection of the view that civil institutions are necessary for limiting state power and criticizing state laws
(iv) Assertion that individuals gain a sense of purpose by psychologically identifying with a totalistic state and devoting themselves to its service
(v) Rejection of equalityprinciple
(vi) Advocacy of nationalism and/or racism.
Fascism is a dangerous creed, but its trivialization by dubbing one’s opponents as fascists should be avoided.