What is Fascism? (Political Philosophy)

The video introduces fascism as a distinct political philosophy, often misused as a pejorative term. It aims to provide a more accurate understanding by focusing on its philosophical underpinnings, particularly as espoused by Giovanni Gentile and Benito Mussolini in Italy from the 1920s to 1940s.

Gentile's fascism sought to unite society under a strong central government, avoiding the extremes of capitalism and socialism. He believed the state should embody the people, integrating all organizations like trade federations and unions into state corporations to work towards common goals. Gentile argued for the liberty of the state to enact its will, expecting citizens to freely accept it as their guiding principle, essentially making individuals constituent parts of the state.

The video raises several concerns with Gentile's philosophy. It questions the effectiveness of individuals influencing the state through corporations, especially with competing desires. It also highlights the unlikelihood of universal free acceptance of the state's will, potentially leading to forceful imposition. From an economic standpoint, the lack of competition might lead to corruption and mismanagement. Critically, there's a concern that the 'will of the state' could simply become the immoral or unrepresentative will of its leader.

Mussolini's revisions amplified fears about state power. He embraced violence as a superior method of expressing political will over elections, viewing it as essential for national potential and a form of propaganda. He believed that if citizens couldn't overthrow the government through violence, they didn't have severe enough grievances. Mussolini's fascism opposed multilateral organizations, advocating for nations to be constantly ready for conflict to gain glory through battle.

The video clarifies that while Mussolini allied with Hitler and enacted some anti-Semitic policies, philosophical fascism, as conceived by Mussolini, was not inherently racist. It argued that the state was defined by a unifying ideology rather than a particular race, binding diverse people together. It distinguished philosophical fascism's advocacy for violence and state subjugation from the racist and discriminatory policies prominent in Nazi Germany.

Mussolini's philosophy is critiqued for glorifying war and death, particularly in light of the post-WWII 'long peace' fostered by multilateral organizations. The concept of violence as a means for people to exert their will on government is problematic, as it undermines reason, compassion, and democratic principles, essentially promoting 'might makes right.' This approach contrasts sharply with philosophies valuing logic, democracy, or moral values in governance.

The video concludes by explaining how the term 'fascist' can accurately apply to modern governments or policymakers. This includes those who subjugate individual will to state will, glorify violence, advocate for regime change through violent revolution instead of elections, or dismantle multilateral institutions in favor of nationalist policies. However, it clarifies that advocating for non-interventionist, racist, or socialist policies alone does not make a government 'fascist,' as fascist philosophy specifically differentiated itself from both capitalism and socialism.