In this episode, we explore the historical roots of fascism and four core traits: extreme nationalism, disregard for human rights, scapegoating, and military supremacy. Fascism is defined as a far-right ideology that elevates the nation above the individual, centralizes power, suppresses dissent, and often pursues expansionist policy. We examine early 20th-century Europe, including Italy and Germany to trace patterns leading to World War II.

Laurence Britt’s “14 characteristics of fascism” are discussed as a framework for analysis. The first four traits are then applied to contemporary U.S. politics, including nationalism, executive power, immigration enforcement, civil liberties, and foreign policy. We also explore distinctions between patriotism and nationalism, and historical examples of resistance such as the Baltic “Singing Revolution,” Spain’s post-Franco transition, and Chile’s 1988 referendum ending Pinochet’s rule.

Finally, we consider research on civic engagement and nonviolent movements, including the “3.5% rule,” alongside practical participation like voting, local involvement, and peaceful protest. The episode concludes by reflecting on citizens’ responsibilities when democratic norms are challenged.

Sources

1. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/fascism-1

2. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/spanish-civil-war

3. https://theconversation.com/what-is-fascism-153947

4. https://voxpopulisphere.com/2017/08/23/lawrence-britt-14-characteristics-of-fascism/

5. https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/holocaust-museum-warning-signs-fascism/

6. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nationalism-vs-Patriotism-Whats-the-Difference

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ92vwYOVeA

8. https://time.com/7335069/spain-franco-fascism-death-anniversary/

9. https://www.fpri.org/article/2016/10/singing-revolution-past-present/

10. https://www.carnegiecouncil.org/media/series/68/democratic-development-and-reckoning-with-the-past-the-case-of-spain-in-comparative-context-2

11. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/civil-disobedience/

12. https://www.britannica.com/topic/civil-disobedience

13. https://www.britannica.com/topic/satyagraha-philosophy

14. https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights#overview

15. https://fairvote.org/press/house-elections-broken-release-2025/

16. https://www.hks.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/2024-05/Erica%20Chenoweth_2020-005.pdf

17. https://whyy.org/articles/trump-administration-deportation-error-abrego-garcia/

18. https://www.npr.org/2025/10/24/nx-s1-5585181/congress-is-investigating-cases-of-u-s-citizens-detained-in-immigration-raids

19. https://abcnews.go.com/US/ice-memo-allows-agents-enter-homes-judicial-warrant/story?id=129436766

20. https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/trump-strategy-document-revives-monroe-doctrine-slams-europe-2025-12-05/

21. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/23/trump-expansionism-threatens-the-rules-based-order-in-place-since-second-world-war

22. https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2024-10-07/trump-says-migrants-whove-committed-murder-have-brought-a-lot-of-bad-genes-in-our-country

23. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/22/renee-good-autopsy-ice-minneapolis

24. https://apnews.com/article/ice-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-9aa822670b705c89906f2c699f1d16c5

25. https://people.com/va-doctor-remembers-alex-pretti-37-year-old-icu-nurse-killed-by-ice-exclusive-11892030

26. https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-ice-alex-pretti-videos-861a0d8f3ee182f3b5909b3613900e2e

27. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF11357

Preserving The Republic: A Dialogue is dedicated to defending constitutional government and promoting the principles of American democracy while examining the rise of authoritarianism and fascism. In a time when democratic institutions face increasing threats, this podcast explores the trends, ideas, and actions that endanger the rule of law, civil liberties, and the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. Preserving American democracy is essential for safeguarding the rights, security, and well-being of all citizens.

Through thoughtful discussion and clear explanations, each episode helps listeners recognize authoritarian tendencies and understand why defending democratic institutions is urgent.

The first episode, “Setting the Stage: Defending Democracy Amid Rising Authoritarianism and Fascism,” introduces the mission of the podcast, defines key concepts like authoritarianism and fascism, and emphasizes the increasing authoritarian and fascist tendencies in U.S. political life.

This podcast provides a platform for dialogue, reflection, and understanding. Listeners are encouraged to explore, question, and engage with the material to form their own insights about the challenges facing American democracy today. Preserving The Republic: A Dialogue is committed to clarity, honesty about perspectives, and providing a framework for recognizing and resisting threats to constitutional governance.

Subscribe to follow the series and join the conversation on protecting American democracy and ensuring the longevity of constitutional government.

Show Sources

https://winstonchurchill.org/resources/quotes/the-worst-form-of-government/

https://www.acton.org/research/lord-acton-quote-archive

https://www.britannica.com/topic/authoritarianism?utm

https://www.populismstudies.org/Vocabulary/authoritarianism/?utm

https://banotes.org/comparative-government-politics/nature-characteristics-authoritarian-regimes/?utm

https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/the-weimar-republic

https://ithy.com/article/america-weimar-comparison-dm14l9nh?utm

https://www.princetonpoliticalreview.org/international-news/viktor-orbns-hungary-corruption-repression-amp-democratic-backslidinghttps://www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty-research/policy-topics/democracy-governance/rise-western-anti-democracy-movements

https://www.theweek.in/news/middle-east/2025/05/16/turkey-s-authoritarian-turn-erdogan-s-regime-is-shedding-its-democratic-pretence.html?utm

https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2025/08/us-democratic-backsliding-in-comparative-perspective?lang=en

https://www.chathamhouse.org/2024/05/democracy-turkey?utm

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/turkey/turkey-now-full-blown-autocracy-erdogan-imamoglu?check_logged_in=1&utm_medium=promo_email&utm_source=lo_flows&utm_campaign=article_link&utm_term=article_email&utm_content=20260103