Fascism Unmasked: How to Recognize and Resist Modern Authoritarianism

Empower Your Resistance: A Practical Guide to Revolutionary Optimism, Mutual Aid, and Defying Totalitarians

Photo by Pete Railand via Mutual Aid Disaster Relief

While authoritarianism creeps further into public discourse, office, and policy, it is more critical than ever to expose the lies that feed and sustain fascism. At its core, fascism relies on the perversion of concepts like “survival of the fittest” to justify hierarchy, exploitation, and oppression. This ideology twists human history, biology, and sociology to claim that dominance and cruelty are inevitable, natural, and even virtuous. But these claims are not only false—they are dangerous distortions that threaten the very fabric of our communities.

Standing in stark opposition to this bleak worldview is mutual aid: the observation that our survival and flourishing depend on cooperation, empathy, and solidarity. Rooted in both evolutionary science and across eons of human practice, mutual aid demonstrates that collaboration is not weakness but strength.

It is the act of building networks of care and support that defy systems designed to divide and conquer. At a time when fascist ideologies are resurging, mutual aid offers a radical alternative that affirms our shared humanity and our collective power to resist oppression.

Fascism is not merely a relic of the past—it is an ever-present threat that evolves with time, adapting to the social, political, and economic landscapes of the present. To effectively resist and disrupt fascism, we must understand its historical roots, recognize its characteristics, and identify the conditions that give rise to it. In this blog, we’ll explore these elements while drawing insights from key thinkers such as Clara Zetkin, Umberto Eco, Leon Trotsky, and many others.

What Is Fascism?

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Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian political ideology rooted in nationalism, militarism, and the suppression of dissent. It thrives on creating a mythical narrative of a "pure" nation under threat, whether by marginalized groups, leftist ideologies, or external forces. Fascist movements manipulate fear and exploit economic, social, and cultural insecurities to consolidate power.

Clara Zetkin, in Fighting Fascism: How to Struggle and How to Win, described it as "the open terrorist dictatorship of the most reactionary, most chauvinistic, and most imperialist elements of finance capital." This definition underscores fascism as a tool of the ruling class, wielded to crush working-class solidarity and preserve capitalist interests.

What Does Fascism Look Like?

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While fascism can take on different forms depending on the context, it consistently displays several core characteristics:

1. Ultranationalism: Fascists glorify the nation, often invoking myths of past greatness and promoting ethnonationalism.

2. Authoritarianism: A strong central leader or ruling party suppresses dissent, eliminates political competition, and undermines democratic institutions.

3. Scapegoating and Dehumanization: Marginalized groups (e.g., immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, religious minorities) are blamed for societal problems and portrayed as existential threats.

4. Militarism and Violence: Fascists glorify violence and militarism as tools for achieving political goals.

5. Anti-Leftism: Fascism specifically targets socialist, communist, and anarchist movements, viewing them as the greatest threats to its existence. Leon Trotsky emphasized that "fascism is a specific means of mobilizing and organizing the petty bourgeoisie in the interests of finance capital" in Fascism: What It Is and How to Fight It

6. Propaganda and Control of Media: Fascists spread misinformation, manipulate public opinion, and use mass media to amplify their ideology. Most major publications have a billionaire owner nowadays.

7. Anti-Intellectualism: Fascism often attacks academia and intellectuals, dismissing critical thinking as a threat to their narrative. Umberto Eco warned in Ur-Fascism about "the cult of tradition," which rejects innovation and intellectual discourse.

8. Suppression of Workers’ Movements: As Trotsky noted, fascism arises to crush the working class and dismantle trade unions. We see this in the demolition of workers’ unions under Reagan, especially, and the reduction of taxes on the ultra-wealthy.

Eco’s essay highlights 14 common features of fascism, including the rejection of modernism, fear of difference, and the appeal to a frustrated middle class. These traits, while not unique to fascism, serve as clear indicators. How to Spot a Fascist

What Catalyzes Fascism?

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"The bourgeoisie sees its salvation in the violent destruction of the proletarian organizations and the annihilation of its revolutionary vanguard."

- Leon Trotsky

Fascism often gains traction during periods of economic instability, social unrest, and political polarization. Key conditions include:

1. Economic Inequality: Wilhelm Reich, in The Mass Psychology of Fascism, argued that fascism exploits the frustrations of individuals who feel economically disenfranchised, directing their anger toward scapegoats rather than systemic issues.

2. Crisis of Capitalism: Zetkin noted that fascism arises as a tool for capitalists to maintain power when traditional methods fail. She argued that "the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) sees its salvation in the violent destruction of the proletarian (working class) organizations and the annihilation of its revolutionary vanguard."

3. Cultural Anxiety: Fascism capitalizes on fears of cultural change, especially in societies undergoing rapid demographic or social shifts.

4. Weak Democratic Institutions: Robert Paxton, in The Anatomy of Fascism, emphasized that weak, compromised, or discredited democratic institutions create fertile ground for fascist movements.

5. Propaganda and Disinformation: Fascists rely on propaganda to manufacture consent and instill fear. Mark Bray, in ANTIFA: The Anti-Fascist Handbook, notes that "fascism thrives on the repetition of lies and the normalization of hate."

How to Identify Fascists

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“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”

- Maya Angelou

Recognizing fascism is essential to resisting it. Here are some key strategies:

1. Analyze Rhetoric: Pay attention to nationalist and exclusionary language, scapegoating of marginalized groups, and calls for "law and order" as a justification for repression.

2. Observe Actions, Not Just Words: Fascists may downplay their intentions publicly while building networks and enacting policies that consolidate power.

3. Follow the Money: Investigate the financial and corporate backing of reactionary movements, as many are funded by those seeking to protect their economic interests.

4. Monitor Symbols and Mobilization: Fascist groups often use specific symbols, uniforms, and slogans to signal allegiance and unity.

5. Study Historical Parallels: Understanding how fascism operated in the past can help identify its modern manifestations. As Sinclair Lewis’s It Can’t Happen Here reminds us, fascism can appear deceptively mundane, cloaking its insidious nature in the guise of patriotism and order.

Common Fascist Methods

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Jason Stanley identifies ten tactics used by fascists to consolidate power and erode democratic norms, highlighting their deceptive and insidious nature. Learn more in his book How Fascism Works: the Politics of Us and Them. Here’s a breakdown of these tactics, incorporating insights from his analysis:

1. Mythic Past: Fascists romanticize a fabricated or idealized version of the past, portraying it as a golden age of purity and greatness. This narrative frames the present as a time of decay caused by outsiders or internal enemies, creating a rallying cry to "restore" the nation. This echoes Umberto Eco’s warning in Ur-Fascism about the "cult of tradition," where an imagined past is used to justify reactionary politics.

2. Propaganda: Truth becomes a casualty of fascist regimes as they employ propaganda to spread disinformation, amplify fears, and create an alternate reality. Fascists control media narratives, leveraging repetition to normalize extremist views. Mark Bray in ANTIFA: The Anti-Fascist Handbook emphasizes how propaganda serves to "manufacture consent" and entrench power. Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky discuss this in Manufacturing Consent about how the media disseminates capitalist propaganda. This media propaganda generates the consent of the people and thereby directs the state’s trajectory to its benefit.

3. Cult of Personality: Fascists elevate a leader to godlike status, portraying them as infallible and embodying the will of the nation. This cult of personality demands unwavering loyalty and silences dissent. Clara Zetkin noted the use of charismatic leaders to distract from systemic exploitation, shifting focus from collective resistance to individual power.

4. Anti-Truth: Fascists actively erode the concept of objective truth, sowing doubt and distrust in institutions like academia, journalism, and science. This aligns with Wilhelm Reich’s observation in The Mass Psychology of Fascism that fascism thrives on emotional manipulation rather than rational discourse.

5. Hierarchy: A rigid social hierarchy is central to fascism, with certain groups positioned as inherently superior while others are dehumanized. This tactic divides society and reinforces power structures. Leon Trotsky observed that fascism "mobilizes the petty bourgeoisie" to maintain control over marginalized groups and workers.

6. Law and Order: Fascists weaponize the rhetoric of "law and order" to justify repression, target marginalized groups, and criminalize dissent. Under this guise, the state enforces policies that disproportionately harm the vulnerable while shielding the powerful.

7. Division of Rural and Urban: Fascists exploit the divide between rural and urban communities, presenting the former as morally superior and closer to "traditional" values, while portraying cities as corrupt and decadent. This tactic foments distrust and fractures solidarity.

8. Free Labor: Exploitation of labor is a hallmark of fascism, as workers are subjected to oppressive conditions to serve the state or ruling class. Fascists often dismantle unions and collective bargaining, ensuring control over the working class. We have the largest prison population, largely fueled by making the legal system a racist weapon. Prisoners are then forced to labor as volunteer firefighters, or they now produce many products on store shelves.

By understanding these tactics, we can better recognize and resist the insidious spread of fascism in our communities and institutions. Now we have a better idea of a fascist’s modus operandi. Next, let’s look at some ways we can disrupt their efforts. Make some good trouble!

How to Disrupt Fascism

Artwork by Monica Trinidad

"Community defense and solidarity are the heart of any antifascist struggle."

- Jeanelle K. Hope

Disrupting fascism requires both proactive and reactive strategies like:

1. Build Solidarity: Strengthen alliances among marginalized groups, workers, and activists. Jeanelle K. Hope and Bill V. Mullen, in The Black Antifascist Tradition, emphasize the importance of collective resistance, noting that "community defense and solidarity are the heart of any antifascist struggle."

2. Educate and Expose: Use community forums, social media, and grassroots networks to expose fascist tactics and educate others on recognizing them.

3. Communicate Offline: The same oligarchs who support fascism own most social media sites, telecoms, web hosting platforms, and communication networks. Assume anything online can be intercepted, impersonated, monitored, and searchable. Edward Snowden warned us about this.

4. Organize Locally: Establish mutual aid networks, community defense groups, and antifascist coalitions to counteract fascist activity on the ground.

5. Gather Intelligence: Canvass for fascist hangouts and patronize them occasionally to gather useful information. This is a great way for white people in particular to be useful allies.

6. Disrupt Recruitment: Fascists often target vulnerable individuals for recruitment. Proactively counter their messaging through education and outreach.

7. Occupy Meeting Spaces: After intelligence determines fascists plan to meet, mundanely occupy that space pre-emptively to thwart their meeting.

8. Publicly Shame Them: Fascism and authoritarianism prove themselves to be backwards, a perversion of scientific understanding, and murderous towards most good and decent people. Shame fascists specifically for this belief system and make it socially alienating for people to identify with such an antisocial ideology.

9. Support Antifascist Efforts: Groups like antifascist networks and community organizations play a critical role in directly opposing fascist movements.

10. Defend Democratic Spaces: Protect institutions, spaces, and platforms that enable free expression and democratic participation.

11. Foster a Culture of Resistance: Natalia Ginzburg’s Family Lexicon illustrates the power of everyday resistance—small acts of defiance and cultural preservation that undermine fascist narratives.

12. Obstruct Them: While I recommend self-care and community care, there may come a time when the situation grows most severe. We may have to put our very bodies in the gears of the machine and grind it to a screeching halt in such a moment. I don’t want that to happen either.

Mutual Aid vs. Social Darwinism

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Mutual aid directly opposes the core tenets of fascist ideology, particularly its reliance on eugenics and social Darwinism. Fascism promotes a worldview where society is reduced to a brutal competition, celebrating the domination of the so-called "strong" while discarding the rest. This ideology disregards the inherently social and empathetic nature of humanity, ignoring the resilience and adaptability that stem from communalism.

Fascism portrays collective well-being and solidarity as weaknesses, glorifying hierarchical structures (often racial ones) that justify exploitation and dehumanization. These narratives erode the social fabric that binds communities together, imposing a paradigm of domination that runs counter to our species' collaborative instincts.

In contrast, mutual aid is grounded in the understanding that human survival and flourishing depend on cooperation, care, and interdependence. It rejects the myth of individual success in isolation or through competition alone. Instead, mutual aid recognizes that strength emerges from meeting one another's needs and fostering networks of reciprocity and care.

"The mutual-aid tendency in man has so remote an origin, and is so deeply interwoven with all the past evolution of the human race, that is has been maintained by mankind up to the present time". - Peter Kropotkin

As Peter Kropotkin argued in Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution, cooperation is not merely a moral choice—it is an evolutionary necessity. Societies that practice mutual support are more resilient and adaptive than those built on domination and exploitation. Mutual aid thrives as a survival strategy, improving collective resilience in ways individualism or fascism cannot.

Where social Darwinism misapplies "survival of the fittest" to justify inequality and oppression, mutual aid reclaims the idea of community fitness as the ability to collaborate and nurture. It dismantles the individualist myth by proving that no one survives alone. From grassroots disaster relief to free clinics and community defense networks, mutual aid demonstrates the power of collective action to counter systemic neglect and oppression. In doing so, it undermines the foundations of fascism, offering an inclusive and humane alternative that builds community resilience and resists authoritarian control.

Leftists understand that capitalism's nature is to consolidate wealth, through destructive and exploitative means: absorbing competitors, cutting labor costs, and monopolizing markets. As capitalism progresses into its late stages, it transitions into outright fascism as resistance to capital’s dictates grows. At this point, capitalists make desperate, short-sighted decisions—such as backing authoritarian despots—to maintain their power and control. These decisions are not guided by long-term consequences but by short-term profit projections.

“Fascism is the bastard child of a bankrupt liberalism.”

- Chris Hedges

The strategies to overcome capitalism align closely with those needed to resist fascism’s attempts to consolidate absolute power. Gird your loins for escalating shock and awe tactics; fascists like to test the waters with increasing violence. Fascists thrive on fear, but we must deny them the satisfaction. We must remain strong, courageous, and joyful while resisting their tactics of intimidation. They cannot take our hope unless we let them.

Support your neighbors and loved ones. Build dual power structures to reduce reliance on exploitative systems, creating the foundations for a society free from the grip of selfish, rent-seeking elites. Fascists represent the worst and most violent and backward elements of our society. By standing together, connected and united, we can outlast and dismantle their oppressive systems, paving the way for a future rooted in mutual aid, solidarity, and justice.

Revolutionary Optimism: A Necessary Antidote

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“You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time.”

- Angela Davis

In the face of rising fascism, it is easy to fall into despair or adopt a nihilist mindset. However, revolutionary optimism is a vital counterbalance—one that fuels sustained resistance and inspires hope for a better world. Revolutionary optimism is not blind faith; it is a conscious acknowledgment of the struggles ahead, paired with the belief that collective action and solidarity can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Revolutionary optimism reframes resistance as not only necessary but also deeply meaningful. It reminds us that the fight against fascism is rooted in love: love for justice, community, and humanity’s potential to thrive in harmony. By cultivating hope, we prevent burnout, inspire others to join the struggle, and maintain the energy needed to dismantle oppressive systems and build alternatives.

As Angela Davis once said, "You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time." This perspective anchors resistance in a forward-looking vision of liberation, emphasizing that our actions today shape the future we strive to create.

Final Thoughts

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Fascism is a potent and adaptable threat that manifests once again in modern times, often cloaking itself in the language of patriotism and law and order. It thrives on division, fear, and hierarchy, while offering a false narrative of strength through dominance of a single leader embodying the state..

However, this ideology stands in stark contrast to the foundational principles of mutual aid, which are grounded in reciprocity, cooperation, and solidarity. Mutual aid empowers communities to resist fascist oppression by creating networks of care that affirm our shared humanity and challenge the systems of exploitation that fascism seeks to uphold. By understanding the core tenets of fascism, recognizing its signs, and organizing in solidarity, we can disrupt and resist its attempts to consolidate power.

“Fascism can take root anywhere if left unchecked. It is up to us to ensure that it does not.”

- Sinclair Lewis

Mutual aid, in its many forms—from community defense to free clinics—offers a transformative alternative to the hyper-individualism and social Darwinism propagated by fascism. Through collective action, we can dismantle these false narratives and build resilient, just communities that are grounded in cooperation and mutual support.

Now more than ever, it is crucial to embrace revolutionary optimism and actively participate in the creation of a world that rejects authoritarianism in favor of a future where solidarity, democracy, and justice prevail. As Sinclair Lewis warned, “Fascism can take root anywhere if left unchecked. It is up to us to ensure that it does not.”

Beyond Darwinism - Mutual Aid Index

1. Beyond Survival of the Fittest: Kropotkin's Vision of Mutual Aid

   1. What is the role of solidarity and reciprocity in building equitable and sustainable communities?

2. Mutual Aid Among Plants and Animals: Cooperating for Survival

   1. Peter Kropotkin Observes How Cooperation Among Species Improves Survival and Shapes Evolution.

3. Frolics and Barn-Raisings: Mutual Aid Amongst the Amish

   1. Take a Look at the Amish Traditions of Collective Action and Solidarity.

4. The Arab Spring: Mutual Aid in the Fight for Freedom

   1. See Solidarity in Action with the Collective Struggle for Liberation in the Arab Spring Movements.

5. The Black Panther Party’s Legacy of Community Empowerment Through Mutual Aid

   1. The BPP protected and served their communities despite rampant racism and being the main targets of the FBI’s Counter-Intelligence Program.

6. Blessing Boxes: Mutual Aid in Our Communities Today

   1. Find Out How These Simple Free Community Pantries Transform Neighborhoods and Promote Solidarity.

7. Childcare Collectives: A Modern Expression of Mutual Aid

   1. Childcare Collectives develop when families, friends, and neighbors pool their resources to raise children.

8. Feeding Hope: The Impact of Community Fridges as Mutual Aid

   1. See How Grassroots Efforts Like Chattanooga’s Hope Community Fridge Transforms Food Access and Fights Food Apartheid.

9. Grow Food Together: The Impact of Community Gardening as Mutual Aid

   1. Shared Gardens Enhance Food Security, Build Community Bonds, and Promote Well-being Without Personal Expense.

10. Community Self-Defense: Protecting Ourselves and One Another

    1. Let’s Talk About How Communities Work Together to Protect Themselves From Harm Inflicted by the State and Fascists.

11. Community Workspaces: Where Coworking Meets Opportunity

    1. Find Out How Shared Community Workspaces Support Creativity and Mutual Empowerment.

12. Deciding Together: The Consensus Model in Mutual Aid

    1. How Collective Decision-Making Builds Strong and Resilient Movements As Shown by Occupy Wall Street.

13. Live Together, Thrive Together: Shared Housing as Mutual Aid

    1. Imagine Housing as a Way to Build Community and Share Resources.

14. Breaking Bread, Building Bonds: What’s Cooking in Community Kitchens?

    1. Learn How These Shared Kitchens Create Lasting Change Through Healthy Meals, Cooking Education, and Mutual Aid.

15. Migration and Mutual Aid: Navigating a Climate Crisis Together

    1. The USA and Global North Grew Rich Burning Fossil Fuels. Radical Cooperation Can Help Us Adapt to a Changing World.

16. Forgive Us Our Debts: How Debt Collective Helps Abolish Financial Servitude

    1. Debt Collective Branched Off From Occupy Wall Street and Unifies Debtors in Mutual Aid for Collective Liberation.

17. Thou Doth Protest? How The Diggers Reclaimed the Commons and Fought Early Capitalism

    1. Learn About the Radical Solidarity and Resistance to the Enclosure of the Common Lands in 17th-Century England.

18. A World Without Barriers: Consider Accessibility in Mutual Aid

    1. Everyone Becomes Disabled if They Are Lucky. So How Can We Make Our World More Accessible?

19. Mutual Aid in the Eye of the Storm: Disaster Relief Amid Climate Change

    1. When Disaster Strikes, Mutual Aid Responds: A Blueprint for Resilience Amid More Frequent Catastrophes

20. Beyond the Ballot Box: Build Dual Power for Real Change

    1. Empower People Through Mutual Aid, Solidarity, and Community Control.

21. Communities of Care: How Solidarity Transforms Support for Elders and the Differently-Abled

    1. How Can Mutual Aid Principles Change Elderly and Disabled Care From Isolation to Connection?

22. Growing Resistance: How Food Forests Feed Communities for Free and Defy Capitalism

    1. From Commodities to Commons: The Radical Potential of Agroforestry

23. Roots of Resilience: Black Mutual Aid Societies in American History

    1. Explore W.E.B. Du Bois’ Work and the Heritage of Solidarity Among Black Folk.

24. From Despair to Dignity: The Radical Work of Free Clinics

    1. How Mutual Aid and Community Solidarity Transform Access to Healthcare

25. Feeding Each Other: The Radical Power of Free Grocery Stores

    1. How This Kind of Mutual Aid Transforms Hunger Relief into Community Empowerment

26. Challenge Capitalism One Free Store at a Time

    1. How Free Stores Empower Communities and Challenge Scarcity

27. The Past & Future of Self-Governance: How General Assemblies Build Dual Power

    1. Strengthen Communities Through Direct Democracy and Mutual Aid

28. Let Joy Guide You: The Power of Fun in Change Work

    1. Explore the Role of Laughter, Creativity, and Connection in Community Organizing

29. Fascism Unmasked: How to Recognize and Resist Modern Authoritarianism

    1. Empower Your Resistance: A Practical Guide to Revolutionary Optimism, Mutual Aid, and Defying Totalitarians

30. Resist Burnout: Care, Coping, and Wellness in Dark Times

    1. How can we practice self-care to endure the revolutionary marathon and better support one another?

31. Resistance Anthems: Protest Music for Hard Times

    1. Let’s Unite Our Voices For Justice Through the Power of Music!

32. Affinity Groups: Decentralized Resistance in an Age of Crises

    1. How Do Small, Autonomous Collectives Build Power and Resistance Against Fascism, Capitalism, and Collapse?

33. Share a Feast: How Potlucks Build Community and Connection

    1. Let’s Discuss How Sharing Food Nourishes Both Bodies and Bonds Across Generations.

34. Notes From the Underground: How Forests Teach Mutual Aid

    1. How Do Fungi, Trees, and Other Plants Thrive Through Cooperation and Reciprocity?

35. Fight Book Bans with Little Free Libraries

    1. How Do Little Free Libraries Turn the Tide Against Book Bans and Censorship?

36. Read, Rest, Revolt, Repeat: Study Groups as Mutual Aid

    1. How Does Collective Study Build Power, Sharpen Strategy, and Sustain Movements?

37. Burn After Reading: Comms Discipline for Mutual Aid and Resistance

    1. Think About Encryption, VPNs, Walkie-Talkies, and the Lost Art of Keeping Your Mouth Shut.