scoresvideos
Intro to Political Science
Table of Contents
Unit 3 Overview: Political Ideology
3.1 The Classical Origins of Western Political Ideologies
3.2 The Laws of Nature and the Social Contract
3.3 The Development of Varieties of Liberalism
3.4 Nationalism, Communism, Fascism, and Authoritarianism
3.5 Contemporary Democratic Liberalism
3.6 Contemporary Ideologies Further to the Political Left
3.7 Contemporary Ideologies Further to the Political Right
3.8 Political Ideologies That Reject Political Ideology: Scientific Socialism, Burkeanism, and Religious Extremism

📜intro to political science review

3.4 Nationalism, Communism, Fascism, and Authoritarianism

Citation:

Nationalism, communism, and fascism have profoundly shaped modern politics and society. These ideologies have driven the creation of nation-states, fueled revolutions, and led to both unity and conflict. Their impacts range from fostering national pride to justifying oppression and violence.

Understanding these ideologies is crucial for grasping 20th-century history and current global affairs. While they've evolved over time, their influence persists in various forms, affecting everything from international relations to domestic policies and individual freedoms.

Nationalism and Its Impact

Impact of nationalism on politics

  • Nationalism emphasizes loyalty and devotion to one's nation above other interests fostering a strong sense of national identity and unity
  • Has driven the creation and consolidation of nation-states by mobilizing populations to establish new independent states (former Soviet republics, Yugoslavia)
  • Can lead to the breakup of empires and multi-ethnic states as nationalist movements seek self-determination and sovereignty (Austro-Hungarian Empire, Ottoman Empire)
  • Nationalist ideologies have been used to mobilize populations for political and military purposes particularly during times of war or independence struggles (American Revolution, Indian independence movement)
  • While nationalism can foster unity and pride among citizens, it can also lead to negative consequences such as xenophobia, discrimination against minorities (Rohingya in Myanmar), and conflicts with other nations (India-Pakistan disputes)
  • Nationalist movements often employ populism to appeal to the masses and gain support for their cause

Communist Ideologies and Their Evolution

Key principles of Marxist theory

  • Based on the ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels emphasizing economic factors and class struggle as primary drivers of social and political change
  • Critiques capitalism as an exploitative system benefiting the bourgeoisie (owners of means of production) at the expense of the proletariat (working class)
  • Views class struggle as the engine of historical progress with the ultimate goal of establishing a classless, communist society
  • Advocates for the dictatorship of the proletariat as a transitional phase where the working class holds political power between capitalism and communism
  • Emphasizes collectivism as a core principle, prioritizing the needs of society over individual interests

Evolution of communist thought

  • Marx's ideas, developed in 19th-century industrial Europe, focused on the revolutionary potential of the urban proletariat
  • Vladimir Lenin adapted Marxism to the Russian context in the early 20th century
    • Emphasized the role of a disciplined, revolutionary party (Bolsheviks) in leading the working class to power
    • Introduced the concept of the vanguard party and the need for a centralized, hierarchical party structure
  • Joseph Stalin further developed Leninist ideas in the Soviet Union
    • Consolidated power in the hands of the party and state, using terror and repression
    • Emphasized rapid industrialization and collectivization of agriculture
  • Mao Zedong adapted communism to the Chinese context in the mid-20th century
    • Maoism emphasized the revolutionary potential of the peasantry and the importance of continuous revolution and class struggle
    • Introduced the concept of the "mass line" involving the party learning from and mobilizing the masses
  • Contemporary Chinese communism has evolved since the reforms of Deng Xiaoping in the late 1970s
    • Embraced elements of market economics and global trade while maintaining one-party rule and political control
    • The Chinese Communist Party seeks to balance economic growth with maintaining its political power and legitimacy

Fascism, Authoritarianism, and Their Impact

Fascism vs authoritarianism

  • Both fascism and authoritarianism are non-democratic forms of rule concentrating power in a single leader or party
  • Fascism is a specific type of authoritarian ideology that emerged in the early 20th century
    • Characterized by extreme nationalism, rejection of liberal democracy and socialism, and glorification of violence and militarism
    • Fascist regimes mobilize masses around a charismatic leader and vision of national rebirth and greatness (Nazi Germany under Hitler, Fascist Italy under Mussolini)
  • Authoritarianism is a broader term encompassing various non-democratic rule
    • Characterized by concentrated power, absence of free elections, and restriction of civil liberties and political freedoms
    • Can be based on different ideologies such as communism, nationalism, or religious fundamentalism (Soviet Union under Stalin, Spain under Franco, military dictatorships in Latin America)
  • Both fascism and authoritarianism reject liberal democratic principles, prioritizing order and the interests of the ruling elite over individual rights

Effects of ideologies on global society

  • Nationalist ideologies have fueled territorial disputes, ethnic tensions, persecution of minorities, and been used to justify colonialism and imperialism
  • Communist ideologies have led to one-party states, centrally planned economies, suppression of dissent, restriction of freedoms, and economic inefficiencies
  • Fascist ideologies have given rise to totalitarian regimes, mass atrocities (the Holocaust), racism, antisemitism, and dehumanization of perceived enemies
  • Authoritarian ideologies concentrate power, erode democratic institutions, suppress civil society, persecute opponents, and enrich ruling elites
  • These ideologies have shaped international relations, influenced alliances and global conflicts (Cold War), and their legacies persist in contemporary struggles for democracy and human rights

Propaganda and Control

  • Totalitarian regimes often use propaganda to manipulate public opinion and maintain power
  • Propaganda is a powerful tool used by various ideologies to spread their message and gain support
  • Authoritarian and totalitarian regimes frequently employ propaganda to control information and shape public perception
  • Revolutions, whether communist, fascist, or nationalist, often rely on propaganda to mobilize support and justify their actions

Key Terms to Review (66)

Stalin: Joseph Stalin was a Soviet political leader who governed the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until his death in 1953, implementing policies of industrialization and collectivization that significantly transformed the country into a superpower but at great human cost. Under his rule, Stalin enforced a regime of terror, using purges and show trials to eliminate opposition, making his leadership synonymous with totalitarianism, characterized by extreme authoritarianism and nationalism.
Cultural Revolution: The Cultural Revolution was a socio-political movement in China from 1966 to 1976, initiated by Mao Zedong with the goal of preserving Chinese communism by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society, and to re-impose Maoist thought as the dominant ideology. It led to significant upheaval, including the persecution of intellectuals, destruction of cultural artifacts, and a cult of personality around Mao.
Conservative populism: Conservative populism is a political ideology that blends traditional conservative values, such as an emphasis on national sovereignty, traditional social norms, and skepticism towards elites, with a populist approach that seeks to appeal directly to the general populace's concerns and desires. It often manifests in policies or rhetoric that aim to protect what are perceived as the traditional ways of life against changes brought about by globalization, immigration, and liberal policies.
Nazism: Nazism, also known as National Socialism, is an ideology and practice associated with the 20th-century German Nazi Party, led by Adolf Hitler, which emphasizes extreme nationalism, racism, and the dictatorial assertion of state power over individual liberties. It sought to establish a unified and racially pure state through aggressive expansion and the extermination of perceived enemies.
Confucianism: Confucianism is a philosophical and ethical system based on the teachings of Confucius, emphasizing moral integrity, filial piety, loyalty, and respect for hierarchy to achieve social harmony and good governance. Within the context of political ideology, it often underpins principles guiding governance and public administration in societies valuing collective welfare over individual freedoms.
Deng: Deng Xiaoping Theory is a political and economic ideology based on the principles of practical market economy reforms and opening up China to the world, while maintaining the central role of the Communist Party. It represents a departure from Maoist doctrines, emphasizing economic development through a combination of socialist planning and capitalist market mechanisms.
Class consciousness: Class consciousness is the awareness and understanding individuals have about their class position within the broader socio-economic framework and its associated political interests. It often involves recognizing shared experiences or commonalities with others in the same class, leading to a collective identity or solidarity against perceived injustices.
Legislative sovereignty system: A legislative sovereignty system is a political structure where the legislature holds supreme power over the creation, amendment, and repeal of laws, often with limited checks from other branches of government. In this context, it contrasts with systems where courts (judicial review) or executives have comparable or superior influence over legal matters.
Authoritarianism: Authoritarianism is a political system in which power is concentrated in the hands of a leader or a small elite that is not constitutionally responsible to the public. The government restricts individual freedoms and requires complete subservience to the state.
Morsi: Mohamed Morsi was the fifth President of Egypt, serving from June 2012 until his removal by a military coup in July 2013. He was a leading figure in the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist organization, and his presidency highlighted tensions between various political ideologies including nationalism, communism, fascism, and authoritarianism within Egypt.
Muslim Brotherhood: The Muslim Brotherhood is a transnational Sunni Islamist organization founded in Egypt in 1928, advocating for Islam to be the guiding principle of political and social life. It aims to unify Muslim countries and societies based on Islamic law (Sharia), often engaging in political activities and charity work, while facing controversy and opposition in various countries.
Dictatorship of the proletariat: The dictatorship of the proletariat is a concept in Marxist theory where the working class holds political power, overthrowing the capitalist system to eventually achieve a classless society. This period is seen as a transition phase from capitalism to full communism, where the state is used to suppress remaining class distinctions.
Mubarak: Hosni Mubarak was the President of Egypt from 1981 until his resignation in 2011, following widespread protests as part of the Arab Spring. His rule is often cited as an example of modern authoritarianism, where power is concentrated in the hands of one leader or a small group, with limited political freedoms and high levels of state control.
Communism: Communism is a political and economic ideology that aims for a classless society in which all property and resources are communally owned, eliminating personal wealth distinctions. It seeks to establish a stateless, egalitarian society where everyone works according to their abilities and receives according to their needs.
Nationalism: Nationalism is a political, social, and economic ideology that emphasizes the interests, culture, or identity of a nation or group of people, often advocating for self-governance and sovereignty. It can unite people through shared language, history, and values but also lead to exclusion or conflict with others deemed outside the national group.
Lenin: Vladimir Lenin was a Russian revolutionary, politician, and political theorist who led the October Revolution of 1917, resulting in the establishment of the Soviet Union. He played a pivotal role in developing and implementing Marxist-Leninist ideology, which combined Marx's theories of socialism with Lenin's theories on revolutionary practice.
Red Guards: The Red Guards were a mass paramilitary social movement of young people in China, who were mobilized by Mao Zedong in 1966 to advance the goals of the Cultural Revolution. They aimed to eradicate what were seen as bourgeois elements and traditional cultural practices, enforcing communism and promoting Mao's ideology.
Gramsci: Antonio Gramsci was an Italian Marxist philosopher and communist politician who developed the theory of cultural hegemony. His work emphasizes how state power and dominance are maintained not just through force but also through cultural institutions that shape public consciousness and ideologies.
Xi: In the context of political ideology, particularly within the realm of nationalism, communism, fascism, and authoritarianism, "Xi" refers to Xi Jinping, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and a central figure in contemporary Chinese nationalism and authoritarian governance. His leadership exemplifies the blend of nationalistic fervor with strict top-down control and a push for rejuvenating Chinese influence globally.
Bourgeoisie: The bourgeoisie is a social class characterized by their ownership of capital and their role in production through the ownership and control of property and businesses. This class is central to the capitalist system, often contrasted with the working class or proletariat, who provide labor for wages.
Weimar Republic: The Weimar Republic was the democratic government founded in Germany following World War I, existing from 1919 until 1933, when it was replaced by the Nazi regime. It was characterized by economic instability, political extremism, and significant cultural flourishing amidst challenges.
Salazar: António de Oliveira Salazar was a Portuguese economist and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1932 to 1968. He established and led the Estado Novo ("New State"), an authoritarian regime characterized by nationalism, conservatism, and anti-communism.
Totalitarianism: Totalitarianism is a political system in which the state holds total authority over society and seeks to control all aspects of public and private life wherever possible. It involves the suppression of dissent, a centralized government, and often a single party rule.
Genocide: Genocide is the intentional action to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. It can involve killing members of the group, causing serious bodily or mental harm, and imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group.
Proletariat: The proletariat is the class of workers who do not own any means of production and therefore sell their labor to live. They are a fundamental group in Marxist theory, which predicts their rise against capitalism due to exploitation and inequality.
Mussolini: Benito Mussolini was an Italian dictator who founded the Fascist Party and led Italy from 1922 to 1943. He established a totalitarian regime that emphasized aggressive nationalism, anti-communism, and the dictatorial control over all aspects of life.
Fascism: Fascism is a far-right political ideology characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy. It often emphasizes aggressive nationalism and ethnocentrism.
Social relations of production: Social relations of production are the relationships and social dynamics that exist among individuals based on their roles in the economic production process. They shape how wealth, power, and resources are distributed and controlled within a society.
Sisi: Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is the President of Egypt, having come to power after a military coup in 2013 that ousted Mohamed Morsi. His regime is often described as authoritarian, with a strong emphasis on nationalism and a crackdown on dissent.
Free-market: A free-market is an economic system where prices for goods and services are determined by the open market and consumers, without intervention by governments. In this system, the forces of supply and demand are free from any external control.
Sovereignty: Sovereignty refers to the supreme and independent authority of a state or political entity to govern itself and its territory without external interference or control. It is a fundamental concept in political science that underpins the power and legitimacy of governments and their ability to make decisions and enforce laws within their borders.
Ideology: Ideology is a comprehensive set of beliefs, values, and ideas that shape an individual's or group's political, social, and economic views. It serves as a framework for understanding and interpreting the world, and it guides the choices and actions of those who hold it.
Authoritarianism: Authoritarianism is a form of government or political system characterized by a centralized autocratic leadership, often with limited political freedoms and civil liberties, and a subordination of individual and group interests to the authority of the state. It is a key concept in understanding the dynamics of individuals, groups, institutions, and international relations, as well as the rise of ideologies like nationalism, communism, fascism, and religious extremism that reject traditional political ideology.
Nationalism: Nationalism is a political ideology and a social movement that promotes the interests of a particular nation or ethnic group, often with the goal of achieving or maintaining self-governance, sovereignty, and a distinct cultural identity. It is a complex and multifaceted concept that has had a significant impact on the shaping of modern nation-states and international relations.
Totalitarianism: Totalitarianism is a form of government or political system that exercises strict control over the social, economic, and political life of a population, often through the use of coercion and repression. It is characterized by a centralized autocratic leadership, rigid ideology, and the subordination of individual interests to those of the state.
Self-Determination: Self-determination is the ability of individuals or groups to make choices and decisions about their own lives and futures without external control or coercion. It is a fundamental human right that encompasses the freedom to determine one's political, economic, social, and cultural development.
Dictatorship of the Proletariat: The dictatorship of the proletariat refers to a form of government in which the working class, or proletariat, holds political power and uses it to establish a socialist economic and social system. It is a central concept in Marxist theory, which envisions the dictatorship of the proletariat as a necessary transitional stage between capitalism and the ultimate goal of a classless, communist society.
Marxist Theory: Marxist theory is a socioeconomic and political ideology developed by Karl Marx that analyzes the relationship between social classes, the means of production, and the exploitation of labor. It serves as a framework for understanding the dynamics of capitalism, communism, and authoritarianism.
Propaganda: Propaganda is the dissemination of information, often biased or misleading, to promote a particular political cause or point of view. It is a powerful tool used by governments, organizations, and individuals to influence public opinion and shape perceptions.
Joseph Stalin: Joseph Stalin was the leader of the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until his death in 1953. As a prominent figure in the Communist Party, Stalin's authoritarian rule and policies had a significant impact on the development of nationalism, communism, fascism, and authoritarianism in the 20th century.
Benito Mussolini: Benito Mussolini was the founder and leader of the National Fascist Party in Italy, who served as the Prime Minister of Italy from 1922 to 1943. He was a central figure in the establishment of fascism, an authoritarian, ultranationalist political ideology and movement characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural social hierarchy, subordination of individual interests for the good of the nation, and strong regimentation of society and the economy.
Xenophobia: Xenophobia is the fear, hatred, or aversion towards people, cultures, or ideas that are perceived as foreign or different. It is a deep-seated prejudice against those who are not part of one's own in-group or cultural identity.
Vladimir Lenin: Vladimir Lenin was a Russian revolutionary, politician, and political theorist who played a central role in the Bolshevik Revolution and the establishment of the Soviet Union. His ideas and actions significantly shaped the development of communism, nationalism, and authoritarianism in the 20th century.
Bolsheviks: The Bolsheviks were a revolutionary socialist political party in Russia who seized power in the 1917 October Revolution, establishing the world's first communist state. They were a key driving force behind the rise of communism, authoritarianism, and the rejection of traditional political ideologies in the early 20th century.
Karl Marx: Karl Marx was a German philosopher, economist, historian, and socialist revolutionary who is considered one of the most influential figures in world history. His ideas and theories, collectively known as Marxism, have had a profound impact on the development of political ideologies, social movements, and economic systems.
Deng Xiaoping: Deng Xiaoping was a Chinese communist revolutionary and statesman who was the paramount leader of China from 1978 until his retirement in 1989. He initiated market-oriented reforms that transformed China into one of the world's fastest-growing economies and shifted the country away from the communist planned economy of Mao Zedong's era.
Maoism: Maoism is a political ideology based on the teachings of Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People's Republic of China. It is a form of communism that emphasizes peasant revolution, mass mobilization, and continuous class struggle to achieve a socialist transformation of society.
Proletariat: The proletariat refers to the class of wage-earning industrial workers who, lacking their own means of production, must sell their labor to survive. This term is closely associated with Marxist and socialist ideologies that view the proletariat as the revolutionary class capable of overthrowing the capitalist system.
Revolution: A revolution is a fundamental and often violent change in the political, social, or economic foundations of a society. It involves the overthrow of an existing system or regime and the establishment of a new one, typically driven by a desire for significant transformation or liberation from oppressive conditions.
Bourgeoisie: The bourgeoisie refers to the social class that emerged with the rise of capitalism, consisting of business owners, professionals, and the middle class. This term is particularly relevant in the context of Nationalism, Communism, Fascism, and Authoritarianism, as well as Critical Worldviews.
Cold War: The Cold War was a state of geopolitical and ideological tension between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies, following World War II. It was characterized by an arms race, proxy wars, and a struggle for global influence, without direct military confrontation between the two superpowers.
Nation-states: A nation-state is a political entity that derives its political legitimacy from serving as a sovereign state for a nation, a large social grouping of people who share a common language, culture, ethnicity, descent, and/or history. Nation-states are the primary political organizational units in the modern world, and their rise and development are closely tied to the concepts of nationalism, communism, fascism, and authoritarianism.
Communism: Communism is a political and economic ideology that advocates for a classless, egalitarian society where the means of production and distribution of goods are collectively owned and controlled by the community as a whole. It rejects the concept of private property and promotes the equitable distribution of wealth and resources among all members of society. Communism is closely related to the topics of Nationalism, Fascism, and Authoritarianism, as these ideologies often share a rejection of liberal democracy and a desire for centralized state control. Additionally, Communism is considered a 'political ideology that rejects political ideology' in the context of Scientific Socialism, Burkeanism, and Religious Extremism, as it aims to create a society beyond the need for traditional political structures.
Chinese Communist Party: The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is the sole governing political party of China, exercising authoritarian control over the country's government, military, and society. As a Marxist-Leninist party, the CCP is committed to the establishment of a socialist state and the eventual transition to a communist society.
Fascism: Fascism is an authoritarian, ultranationalist political ideology and movement characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural social hierarchy, subordination of individual interests for the good of the nation, and strong regimentation of society and the economy. Fascism is often associated with the far-right on the traditional left-right political spectrum, though elements of fascist ideology have been identified on both the left and the right.
Holocaust: The Holocaust refers to the systematic, state-sponsored genocide of European Jews and other groups carried out by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during World War II. It was a horrific event that resulted in the mass murder of approximately six million Jews, as well as millions of other victims, including Roma, Slavs, political and religious dissidents, and those with disabilities.
Friedrich Engels: Friedrich Engels was a German philosopher, social scientist, and revolutionary socialist. He is best known for his collaboration with Karl Marx in developing the foundations of modern communism, as well as his influential works on the origins of social inequality and the development of industrial capitalism.
Vanguard Party: A vanguard party is a political party that aims to lead and guide the revolutionary transformation of society, often in the context of communist or socialist ideologies. It is characterized by its commitment to a specific revolutionary agenda and its role as the avant-garde, or leading force, in the struggle for social and political change.
Stalinism: Stalinism is a political and economic system based on the totalitarian leadership of Joseph Stalin, who ruled the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until his death in 1953. It is characterized by a centralized autocratic government, rapid industrialization, collectivization of agriculture, and a harsh suppression of opposition.
Nazi Germany: Nazi Germany refers to the totalitarian regime led by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany from 1933 to 1945. It was characterized by extreme nationalism, anti-Semitism, the suppression of political opposition, and the centralization of power under a dictatorship. Nazi Germany's actions and ideology had a profound impact on the course of the 20th century, particularly through its role in World War II and the Holocaust.
Adolf Hitler: Adolf Hitler was the leader of the Nazi Party and the dictator of Germany from 1933 to 1945. He was a central figure in the rise of fascism, nationalism, and authoritarianism in the 20th century, and his actions had a profound impact on world history. Hitler's rise to power and the policies he implemented were closely tied to the topics of nationalism, communism, fascism, and authoritarianism. As the leader of the Nazi Party, he exploited German nationalism and anti-communist sentiment to consolidate his control over the country and implement his totalitarian agenda.
Populism: Populism is a political approach that appeals to the interests and concerns of ordinary people, often in opposition to an established elite or political establishment. It is characterized by a focus on the common people rather than the privileged or powerful, and a belief in the inherent wisdom and virtue of the people.
Imperialism: Imperialism is the policy, practice, and ideology of extending a nation's power and influence through territorial acquisition and economic domination. It involves the expansion of a country's authority over other nations or territories, often through military force or economic coercion, with the goal of establishing political, economic, and cultural hegemony.
Fascist Italy: Fascist Italy refers to the authoritarian, nationalist, and corporatist political system that was established in Italy under the leadership of Benito Mussolini from 1922 to 1943. This regime combined a strong central government, a single-party dictatorship, and an aggressive foreign policy with the goal of creating a new Roman Empire.
Collectivism: Collectivism is a social and political philosophy that emphasizes the importance of the collective group over the individual. It is a worldview that prioritizes the needs and interests of the community, society, or nation over those of the individual, and promotes the idea that individuals should subordinate their personal interests to the greater good of the group.
Mao Zedong: Mao Zedong was a Chinese communist revolutionary and the founding leader of the People's Republic of China. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of communism, nationalism, and authoritarian rule in China during the 20th century.