Since the end of World War II in 1945, fascism has been largely disgraced, and few parties have openly described themselves as fascist; the term is often used pejoratively by political opponents.

Fascism, political ideology and mass movement that dominated central, southern, and eastern Europe between 1919 and 1945 and was characterized by extreme militant nationalism, hatred of communism and socialism, contempt for democracy, and belief in natural social hierarchy and the rule of elites.

The words fascism and fascist have long been associated with the Fascisti of Benito Mussolini and the fasces, the bundle of rods with an ax among them, which the Fascisti used as a symbol of the Italian people united and obedient to the single authority of the state.

Under fascism, the government heavily controls a country's economy and other parts of society, usually by using a form of authoritarian corporatism. Under this system, companies and workers are supposed to work together under national unity.

In his book Fascism (1997), Mark Neocleous sums up these paradoxical tendencies by referring to fascism as "a prime example of reactionary modernism " as well as "the culmination of the conservative revolutionary tradition."

For these and other reasons, there is no universally accepted definition of fascism. Nevertheless, it is possible to identify a number of general characteristics exemplified by fascist parties and movements between 1922 and 1945.

What Does Fascism Really Mean? Learn about the history of fascist movements and explore democratic backsliding to determine just how history informs the present.

Understand the core tenets of fascism, its historical rise in the 20th century, and its defining authoritarian characteristics.

Fascism is an ultranationalist, authoritarian political philosophy. It combines elements of nationalism, militarism, economic self-sufficiency, and totalitarianism.

Fascism is an authoritarian ideology that was popular in some countries during the 20th century. Specifically, it is often associated with the time period of World War II and countries such as Italy under Benito Mussolini and Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler.