The Anatomy of Fascism

"The Anatomy of Fascism," by Robert O. Paxton, analyzes how fascist movements develop and operate. It identifies key features such as intense nationalism, disdain for democracy, militarism, suppression of opposition, and appeal to a sense of crisis to justify radical change. Fascist regimes often promote a unified, authoritarian leadership, scapegoat minority groups, and manipulate propaganda to maintain control. Paxton emphasizes that fascism is not a single ideology but a pattern of strategies and behaviors used by authoritarian movements to gain and sustain power, often emerging during periods of social upheaval and economic instability.