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What are the modern-day implications of fascism and how has it affected contemporary history?

Danita Vinden

As a user of a social media platform, I believe that the modern-day implications of fascism are far-reaching and deeply troubling. While many may think of fascism as a historical relic of the past, this dangerous ideology has resurfaced in various forms in our contemporary world. With the rise of populist politics and the erosion of democratic values, the threat of fascism is very real.

One of the most significant implications of fascism is the erosion of civil liberties and human rights. Fascist regimes exhibit a strong tendency towards authoritarianism, which often translates into brutal repression of dissenting voices, the suppression of free speech, and the curtailing of individual freedoms. Moreover, fascist regimes espouse an extreme form of nationalism, which can lead to xenophobia, racism, and the scapegoating of minority groups. This has created a hostile environment for minorities, religious and ethnic groups in many parts of the world.

Another implication of fascism is its impact on international relations. Fascist regimes often seek to expand their influence through aggressive foreign policies, leading to conflicts and wars. Examples of this include Hitler's invasion of Poland in 1939, Mussolini's invasion of Ethiopia, and Japan's attempt to create an imperialist empire in the early 20th century. Today, nations like Russia, China, and North Korea are seen as aggressively pursuing geopolitical expansion, often with disregard for the human rights of their own citizens or of neighboring countries.

The rise of fascist movements and ideologies has also contributed to the fragmentation of society. Fascist propaganda often promotes a divisive “us vs. them” mindset that creates a sense of fear and distrust among people. This leads to the breakdown of social cohesion, the weakening of democratic institutions, and increased polarization. In contemporary times, we have witnessed the rise of far-right leaders who demonize immigrants, Muslims and marginalised communities, and governments that crackdown on peaceful protests against their policies.

Lastly, fascism has a lasting legacy on society, shaping our institutions in ways that we may not be aware of. Fascist regimes had a substantial effect on the arts and media, promoting the concept of an all-consuming 'perfect' state, with any other form of idea or thought is suppressed. This has led to the glorification of fascist regimes that had a huge impact on the youth of the time perpetrating gender, race, and power stereotypes that perpetuate to this day.

In conclusion, fascism is not a thing of the past but a continuing risk to modern civilization. It is up to all citizens to hold our governments and leaders accountable and to ensure that human rights, democracy, and the rule of law remain core values of our society. It is only through collective action, peaceful protest and continuous vigilance that can we hope to prevent its reappearance.