What is Fascism?

9. Fascism: Right Wing or Left Wing?

Fascism is typically placed on the far-right end of the political spectrum because of its emphasis on nationalism, strict social hierarchy, and rejection of equality. Fascists believe in a powerful state that controls every aspect of life and suppresses opposition, but they don’t promote economic equality or shared ownership like socialists or communists.

Some critics have argued that because fascist governments often expand state power, they resemble far-left systems. But fascists strongly opposed both socialism and communism, violently cracking down on leftist movements. They also rejected democratic ideals, preferring one-party rule backed by force.

In practice, fascism blends extreme authoritarianism with ultranationalism—traits most often associated with far-right ideologies.