The Return of Fascism

Fascism isn't hard to define, but we have had a problem knowing where to place Fascism on the political continuum. From its roots in 19th century thought until now, Fascism has drawn mostly on Right but also on Left belief systems. Confusing things more, the term "Fascist" was and is used loosely as an insult. 

A general definition might go like this: Fascism is a political system led by a dictator and emphasizing an aggressive militarism, ethnic nationalism and racism. Minority groups like gays and lesbians lose their status as full citizens with equal rights. The dictator is nearly always famous and Charismatic. (If you can't identify the dictator, then you are not dealing with a Fascist state.) Ethnic solidarity is a frequent theme. Taking territory by force from other countries in the name of ethnic solidarity is often a goal. Fascists typically view themselves as having a legitimate and terrible grievance, and they want revenge. They often see the United States as decadent and weak. A Fascist economic system is capitalist and dominated by big corporations, which form an oligarchy closely allied with the Fascist dictator.

I suppose that many national governing bodies have some of the characteristics listed above; Russia has them all. We should admit that while Hitler failed to conquer Russia, Fascism has won. To a considerable extent Fascism took hold in Russia because of the West's unwillingness to let Russia into the club, and that is now water under the bridge. What protects Russia today, aside from thousands of nuclear weapons, is the fact that Big Oil in the West (companies like BP and Exxon) are heavily invested in joint projects with Big Oil in Russia, drilling holes into the planet from Russia itself to the Caribbean. Corporations, you might say, rule. A renewed Russian empire is likely to work to Exxon's advantage.