In present times, several governments across the world are exhibiting strong nationalist, populist, and authoritarian tendencies – characteristics associated with fascism. In these countries, political opposition is suppressed, media tightly controlled, minorities stifled, and a right-wing agenda thrust upon people. Why do people cosy up to fascist ideologies?
In his seminal book, The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness and Escape from Freedom, the distinguished psychoanalyst and social psychologist Erich Fromm explores fascism's emergence from the murky depths of societal discontent and individual psychological quirks.
Fascist ideology can appeal to individuals disenchanted with mainstream society. This band of disillusioned and marginalised citizens, grumbling at the back of the societal bus and feeling as welcomed as a skunk at a perfume factory, eagerly flock to the fascist oasis promising them the nectar of belonging, identity, and power.