Nationalism and fascism regard a country or state as a source of values and foundation of all rights among the individuals making up a particular nation. Fascism is a complex ideology that describes a set of political philosophies or actions. It is associated with regimes such as the Italian and German Nazis. The development of fascism is based on fundamental allegiance such as national grandeur, race, or particular group ( Kuzio, 2016) . Fascism is characterized by the superiority of a group, believing that one's group is victims of particular circumstances and the existence of a strong sense of brotherhood or community. Nationalism is the loyalty and devotion in which one has in their country. It is based on exalting one’s culture, race, and language, as well as shared literature, arts, and sports in a country. It is characterized by conquering other states, opposing contradicting ideologies, and maintaining a country's superiority views to detriment other nations. Apart from the definition of nationalism and fascism, the paper will discuss their differences and whether nationalism leads to fascism.
Differences between fascism and nationalism
The differences existing between fascism and nationalism are based on their inherent dispositions. Fascism is more poignantly or centralized economically, making it highly materialistic. A country that practices fascism is mainly persuaded by man's insatiable desire to fulfill hunger and self-gratification. The fascist state engages in activities such as controlling of media houses and suppression of dissent. The ideologies are geared towards the development of subservient to the nation. The measures in place result in the absence of minority rights and democratic rule. Conversely, nationalism is a pure idealistic social construct. A nationalist state is based on people with common beliefs, customs, and language and has the right to form a government within a particular border. Fascism is centered on ethnicity. Countries that practices fascism excises their political power based on supremacy perspective existing in particular ethnicity in the country. For example, in the USA, one may view that it belongs to the White regardless of the existence of people of color ( Harris et al., 2017) . Nationalism, on the other hand, focuses on matters affecting a nation. In general, the leaders are concerned with issues affecting the country at large, not a particular tribe or ethnic group. From a nationalist perspective, the USA is for its citizens regardless of color.
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Fascism is viewed as a form of nationalism in which a particular identity group is constructed based on pseudo-genetic racial background. For instance, the fascist group extolls itself as superior according to their biological grounds. For example, in Mussolini’s Italy and Hitler’s Germany, racial myths were used in the galvanization of a political movement ( Harris et al., 2017) . Similarly, White supremacy in countries such as the United States also demonstrates fascism. Contrary, nationalism is a virulent form of political identity in that one closely links with a specific group that works towards advancing the causes and reputation of their members. Nationalism is associated with competitive prestige; hence, the members of a particular group are compelled to be identified as being more wealthy, successful, or powerful. An example of a nationalist’s group is the Islamic State because of their constant need to create nations that enforce Islamic law and Islam.
Nationalism Leads to Fascism
The principle of extreme nationalism guides fascism. Most of the leaders use nationalism to override individual self-interest. As a result, it leads to the subjugation of welfare in the general public for the fascist government to achieve their goals. Under fascism, nationalism works within the existing social structure rather than destroying them due to the need for internal cleansing and external expansion in its governance. Laruelle (2016) argues that the anatomy of fascism utilizes violence to eliminate opponents and minorities in society. The beauty of violence achieved from nationalism is devoted to group success. Nonetheless, fascism can also be achieved from nationalism through the utilization of fascist ideologies. Fascists highlight that national identity is an essential part of individual identity, and thus, it should not be corrupted by influences from foreigners. For example, neo-fascist parties in Germany focused campaign against immigrants by using slogans such as “Germany for the Germans, the boat is full” ( Kuzio, 2016) . The slogan was intended to fortify the relationships between the native Germans while pushing away the immigrants.
Conclusion
Nationalism and fascism exit in different countries; nationalism is characterized by the desire of a nation to align itself based on their heritage in terms of language, arts, sports, and ability to form a government within a stipulated border. Fascism is based on primacy that affects a particular country. The countries that practice fascism, such as the USA, are characterized by central ideas related to the superiority of a specific ethnic group. Nationalism and fascism differ in ideologies about the governance and heritage of a country. Notably, fascism is purely materialistic. The countries that practices are motivated by their selfish intentions. Nationalism is characterized by loyalty a particular has group towards their country, and thus, it is purely a social construct. However, an extreme case of nationalism leads to fascism. In some states, especially with many migrants, the need for nationalism can lead to the expulsion of immigrants, which results in ethnicity and, consequently, fascism.
References
Harris, J., Davidson, C., Fletcher, B., & Harris, P. (2017). Trump and American fascism. International Critical Thought , 7 (4), 476-492. https://doi.org/10.1080/21598282.2017.1357491
Kuzio, T. (2016). Soviet and Russian anti-(Ukrainian) nationalism and re-Stalinization. Communist and Post-Communist Studies , 49 (1), 87-99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postcomstud.2015.12.005
Laruelle, M. (2016). The three colors of Novorossiya, or the Russian nationalist mythmaking of the Ukrainian crisis. Post-Soviet Affairs , 32 (1), 55-74. https://doi.org/10.1080/1060586X.2015.1023004
