Day 25 – Q 3. A combination of economic uncertainty and a lack of trust in the solutions offered by incumbent politicians, is a fertile ground for fascism/ authoritarianism. Do you agree? Critically comment.

3. A combination of economic uncertainty and a lack of trust in the solutions offered by incumbent politicians, is a fertile ground for fascism/ authoritarianism. Do you agree? Critically comment.

आर्थिक अनिश्चितता का एक संयोजन और अवलंबी राजनेताओं द्वारा पेश किए गए समाधानों में विश्वास की कमी, फासीवाद / अधिनायकवाद के लिए एक उर्वर आधार है। क्या आप सहमत हैं? समालोचनात्मक टिप्पणी करें।

Introduction:

Fascism is a political ideology characterized by far-right, authoritarian ultra-nationalism. It has features like dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and of the economy. Fascism came to prominence in early 20th-century Europe.

Body

It is said that economy is the basis of empire. Economic uncertainty creates hardship among masses, yearning for a change. Coupled by lack of trust in the solutions offered by incumbent politicians create anti-incumbency feelings, creating new political space. Hence, emerge a new leadership, which sheds reluctance of previous regime and emboldened by the public mandate develops fascist/authoritarian tendencies. Authoritarianism may also get support for quick implementation of solutions and fulfilment of the aspiration of people. 

This has been shown time and again throughout the history –

• Reign of terror – on of the most brutal autocratic regime in France 1993-94 combination of economic uncertainty and a lack of trust in the solutions offered by incumbent politicians. 
• Rise of Hitler – one reason for rise of Hitler’s Nazi party was economic uncertainty and global depression. Treaty of Versailles also put mistrust among the Germans in the previous regime. 
• Russian revolution – Lenin’s rise to power was enabled by mismanagement of economy by and mistrust in Czars rule. 
• Pakistan – Military rule in Pakistan was due to economic stress and lack of trust in political leaders. 
• Arab spring – in Middle East.
• Right wing – Rise in rise wing government in France, Britain, Turkey etc. Lack of trust in the solutions offered by incumbent politicians lead to Brexit in Britain. 

However not always does combination of economic uncertainty and a lack of trust in the solutions offered by incumbent politicians lead to fascism/ authoritarianism – 

• India despite economic hardships and lack of trust in the incumbent politicians has never become victims of fascism/ authoritarianism. Indians have always taken fight ballet rather than bullet.
• During economic depression, which began in 1929, U.S remained democratic and overcame the economic hardship. Thrust in democratic values remained intact in the world’s oldest democracy. 

There are many other reasons for breeding of fascism/ authoritarianism like ideology of selective nationalism; propaganda, for example against Jews by Nazis in Europe. 

Conclusion

As per Ruth Benedict, it is ‘national characteristics’ that will decide fascist/ authoritarian tendencies of a nation, despite conditions like economic uncertainty and a lack of trust in the incumbent politicians being the same.