Umberto Eco's "Ur-Fascism": Characteristics and Modern Relevance

Introduction

During an era when being an "anti-fascist" American has assumed negative connotations, and the increasing polarization of the nation's political parties has caused concern among many observers about the rise of fascism in the United States, it is essential to identify the various characteristics of fascism, understand why this issue is relevant to Americans today, and appreciate why it matters. To this end, this paper provides a review of Umberto Eco's "Ur-Fascism", followed by a summary of the findings in the conclusion.

Review and Discussion

While Eco concedes that formulating a precise definition of fascism is problematic, he provides multiple useful examples that shed light on the political ideology's core characteristics. According to Eco, fascism is characterized by a cult of tradition, rejection of modernism, contempt for weakness, a strong preference for strongmen and machismo, a plot obsession, selective populism, and the use of "Newspeak" — features that mirror much of what is taking place in the United States today. In many ways, these characteristics of fascism evoke Orwell's "Big Brother," an eventuality that is increasingly sought by growing numbers of right-leaning Americans.

Indeed, Eco points to contemporary debates concerning the rise of fascism by addressing resistance to rising authoritarianism and examining how historical European resistance coalitions unified despite immense ideological differences. In ways that resemble how Communists and anti-Communists jointly opposed WWII fascism regardless of political differences, Eco argues that the defenders of democracy today must set aside polarizing divisions in favor of the national interest. Moreover, Eco suggests not only identifying the common foes of liberty but also developing a better understanding of fascism's core psychological lures and rhetorical tactics, in order to combat the insidious forces threatening freedom once again — this time clad in twenty-first century garb.

Contemporary Manifestations of Fascism

By making enemies of all those who disagree with them, neofascists are using the tried-and-true playbook of historical fascists: appealing to a loosely defined mythical past glory — such as the slogan "Make America Great Again" — with a selectively moralistic traditionalism designed for emotional resonance, while relying on sophisticated propaganda, "fake news," and a cult of personality to sustain themselves. The core characteristics of fascism identified by Eco provide a useful framework within which contemporary manifestations of fascism can be identified, a need that has assumed even greater importance and relevance in an age when multiple existential threats are arrayed against humankind and demagogues are increasingly attracting followers by playing on their anger and fear.

Conclusion

The philosopher George Santayana once famously observed that, "Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it," and Eco and like-minded scholars press the point that there is a clear and present danger of fascism's rise in democratic nations around the world, making this text especially relevant and important. As Eco's analysis shows, fascism exploits emotional appeals and internal contradictions to undermine democracy, revive nationalist myths, create scapegoats, and consolidate power — power that its adherents are deeply reluctant to relinquish, even after losing legitimate elections. With civic freedom facing both internal and external threats, Umberto Eco gives policymakers and citizens alike in modern democracies the pattern recognition needed to respond before the vulnerabilities born of social unrest harden into outright authoritarian rule.