Democracy does not often collapse under fascism in a
dramatic manner. More usually, fascism creeps in under the guise of patriotic
rhetoric, reviving nationalistic ideals, and stirring up fears and divisions.
It is crucial for those who love democracy to recognize the early signs of what
is happening to maintain the appearance and reality of solid democratic
institutions.
One of the first red flags is trust in independent
institutions. Failing or fascist-leaning leaders often smooth the way for their
rule by pretending to have public support and by attacking and undermining the
very institutions and people (the courts, the press, the military) that have
traditionally kept them honest. They frame these people and institutions as
corrupt or as the “enemies of the people” in a way that should remind
us of certain things that were said in the 1930s. All of these threats to public
institutions add up to an undermining of public confidence in the very checks
and balances that keep us safe in a democracy.
One more hallmark is when minority or marginalized groups
are made scapegoats. Fear of these groups is raised by leaders—often to
dangerous heights—when they want to distract from other issues. Fear is a great
consolidator. And for that reason, fear is a prime tool used by authoritarian
leaders to justify their grab for power.
Minority groups, in the past and today, are the primary
targets in this aspect of authoritarian statecraft. They are made to look and
seem as if they are a threat to society, and in the process of doing that, lies
and untruths are told with great regularity.
Another clear sign of backsliding is when the rule of law is
not followed. Countries that are not democratic can and do ignore the rule of
law.
- They write laws that favor the ruling party.
- They use those laws to suppress dissent and criticize the
government. - They criminalize opposition.
- They clutch at any tactic that might help them keep power.
- Those tactics might include intimidating activists,
- restricting protests, suppressing voters, or doing all of the above.
A movement to restore order or protect traditional values
often disguises itself as fascism. Populist slogans that promise to “take
back the country” or return to a supposedly golden age can rally support
while hiding authoritarian ambitions. Over time, such movements may come to
glorify violence or paramilitary groups, normalize political intimidation, and
demand absolute loyalty.
Not always are the beginnings of fascism recognized until
it’s too late. What we need is not just pattern recognition but also a defense
of the democratic principles that the patterning foretells might be about to
invade. If we do not vigilantly maintain and defend these principles right now,
we will be faced with the same situation again.