FASCISM

At The Heart of Fascism Lies Nationalism

At The Heart of Fascism Lies Nationalism

Introduction

This paper is based on the argument that nationalism is present at the heart of fascism. Fascism and nationalism are two political identities. Fascism is a complex political phenomenon. According to numerous scholars, fascism is a reactionary movement that endeavours to create a new form of the state (Gregor, 1997, pp. 24).

Nationalism is considered the core of international politics. According to one definition of nationalism, it is a feeling that is created by oneness of the nation. Nationalism often takes the form of a movement in countries that are dependent. In these countries, nationalism unites individuals in their struggle for freedom. However, in independent countries, nationalism takes the form of patriotism.

Discussion

There are diverse aspects that support the argument that nationalism is at the heart of fascism. Nationalism is one of the most common factors of fascism. It depicts that there is a strong connection between fascism and nationalism.

The argument that nationalism is at the heart of fascism can be supported from the fact that the core of fascism is the belief that nation is a fundamental identity. This core belief evolves in to nationalism. The core belief that nation is a fundamental identify can be transferred to the idea of ultra-nationalism.

The argument can also be supported from the fact that fascism starts and ends with the nation. Nation can be defined as a 'natural' unit of state. This belief is central to the ideology of fascism. The similar concerns of fascism and nationalism also form an important link between these two ideologies. Nationalism and fascism are concerned with the envelopment of the cultural and physical boundaries of a nation. It is evident from the history that a number of fascist movements are drived by political inspirations.

Fascism is considered a popular form of nationalism. In order to best comprehend the relationship between fascism and nationalism, it is imperative to understand their structure. Nationalism is a form of modern movement that is linked to industrial capitalism. The idea of fascism has attracted the attention of diverse groups. The basic belief of fascism is the glorification of the state.

Fascism is a political ideology, whose core lies in the ultra-nationalism (Griffin, 1995, pp. 26). Griffin has defined fascism as a form of citizenship that involves the re-generation of in-group. However, according to opposing arguments the equation of nationalism and fascism is not as straightforward as suggested by some scholars. Nationalism is the core element of international politics. There is no single definition of nationalism. Therefore, there are some aspects of nationalism that support the argument. On the other side, there are certain aspects that oppose the argument. According to one definition of nationalism, it is a feeling that is created by oneness of the nation. Nationalism often takes the form of a movement in countries that are dependent. In these countries, nationalism unites individuals in their struggle for freedom. According to this definition, it can be comprehended that nationalism ...