Understanding the Concept of Fascism

The term 'fascismo', from which the word 'Fascism' is derived, is an Italian word. It is based on 'fascio', which means 'a bundle of sticks' and has its roots in the Latin word 'fasces'.

Many political scientists and historians have debated extensively on the exact nature of fascism. Each definition proposed has unique elements, and many of them have been criticized for being either overly broad or excessively narrow.

Fascism and its followers have consistently attacked communism, conservatism, and liberalism, drawing their primary support from the far-right.

Noted historian Stanley G. Payne's definition of fascism is widely accepted as reliable by contemporary scholars. Payne breaks down fascism into three fundamental concepts:

1. Fascism is anti-liberalism, anti-communism, and anti-conservatism.
2. Fascism aims at creating a nationalistic dictatorship to regulate the economy and structure social relations within a modern, self-determined culture, thereby transforming a nation into an empire.
3. Fascism garners support through romantic symbolism, mass mobilization, a p