| Fascism
is a complex political phenomenon that deserves considerable attention.
Most of Fascism's "intellectual" rooting came from those who either wittingly
or more frequently unwittingly contributed thought that would give rise
to Italian Fascism and then National Socialism, i.e. Nazism. Italian
Fascism practically deifies the state. The state in Italian Fascism
is the supreme, organic totality which dominates all life. One is
not measured by his individuality but by his role within the state.
However, the state in National Socialism serves a slightly different purpose.
In Nazism, men create the state and use it as a tool to realize their "destiny".
While Fascism may be identified as a political system, many experts
are wary to call Fascism a political ideology. Fascism is an
inherently anti-intellectual, irrational, and emotionally charged system.
Fascism, neither Italian Fascism or National Socialism, has not declared
firm ideological doctrines such as a doctrine comparable to Marx and Engel's
Communist Manifesto. The legitimacy over time of any Fascist
proclamation made comparable to an ideological declaration has to
be called into question, for Fascism's anti-intellectualism, irrationality,
and pure passion ultimately transforms beliefs. Hence, there
is an "ideology" of the moment, and each subsequent "ideology" may be different.
Fascism is clearly an illusive topic in political thought. Fascism
throughout history has ostensibly surfaced multiple times; however, each
time it has surfaced it's dynamics have been altered to suit specific purposes,
such as those of Mussolini and Hitler. Differences between Italian
Fascism and National Socialism can be understood in light of altered
dynamics. Recently, a plausible form of Fascism has surfaced
in the Balkans. If Mussolini and Hitler have been the primary leaders
of Fascist states, why should not Slobodan Milosevic be considered
as the post-modern Fascist leader. Every Fascist movement has sprung
forth from turmoil. The turmoil in the Balkans has allowed Milosevic
to exploit Serbian nationalist sentiments. Milosevic has converted
nationalism from a liberal quest for self-determination into a mission
to expel ethnic Albanians from Kosovo. Milosevic has exploited nationalism
to secure his own power and has employed propaganda to reinforce his message.
The denotation of the nation is contested, but it really is a human
convention. Milosevic wants, in effect, to construct a new nation,
a greater Serbia. However, the liberal democratic right to
self-determination on the part of the Kosovo has not been respected.
Milosevic's plan is politically motivated more than anything else.
He would probably prefer to deport the Kosovars if he could
do just that. Furthermore, regardless of Milosevic' motivation, he
has been responsible for atrocities all too comparable to the Holocaust.
In conclusion, Milosevic's extreme nationalism has become Fascistic in
nature; moreover, how can anyone ignore the clear and sober similarity
of Milosevic's "ethnic cleansing " program with Hitler's Final Solution.
Is Fascism dead? Simply put -- no. Fascism continues to thrive.
Profound evidence, which cannot be ignored, suggests this conclusion. |
Benito
Mussolinito Mussolini -- Il Duce