Fascism doesn’t come back wearing the same uniform. It returns disguised as patriotism, “traditional values,” law and order, and promises of safety. In this episode of Fed Up, But Figuring It Out, Priya Migneault breaks down what fascism actually is, how it works, and why it keeps resurfacing in moments of fear, economic instability, and political distrust.

Drawing on political theory, historical case studies, and contemporary examples, this episode unpacks the core traits of fascism: authoritarianism, ultranationalism, propaganda, anti-intellectualism, rigid hierarchies, manufactured victimhood, and the erosion of democratic norms from the inside out. From Mussolini’s Italy and Hitler’s Germany to modern strongmen politics, book bans, culture wars, state violence, and economic scapegoating, the patterns are clear — even when the slogans change.

This isn’t an abstract history lesson. It’s an exploration of how fascism thrives today through misinformation, fear-based rhetoric, attacks on education, moral panics about gender and sexuality, and the false promise of certainty in uncertain times. The episode also examines why people are drawn to fascist movements, how authoritarianism predicts political behavior more than income or education, and why neutrality and indifference are not harmless positions.

Ultimately, this episode asks a necessary question: Will we recognize fascism when it shows up looking familiar? And what responsibility do we have to pay attention, speak up, and protect empathy before it’s too late?

If you’ve ever felt like something is deeply off — politically, socially, culturally — this episode gives you the language, history, and tools to name it.

Sources:

Drew, C. (2023, March 23). 12 examples of fascism in history. Helpful Professor. https://helpfulprofessor.com/examples-of-fascism/

Fousek, P. (2021, January 7). Fascism, and how to fight it. Hampton Institute. https://www.hamptonthink.org/read/fascism-and-how-to-fight-it

Macwilliams, M. (2016, January 17). The One Weird Trait that Predicts Whether You’re a Trump Supporter. Politico Magazine. https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/01/donald-trump-2016-authoritarian-213533/

Mahoney, K. (2009). Hate Speech, Equality, and the State of Canadian Law. Wake Forest Law Review, 44(2), 321–351.

McLean, E. (2023, April 7). Fascism’s History Offers Lessons About Today’s Attacks on Education. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fascisms-history-offers-lessons-about-todays-attacks-on-education/

Soucy, R. (2025). Fascism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/fascism

Stanley, J. (2018). How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them. Random House.

Stanley, J. (2023, February 14). Banning Ideas and Authors is Not a “Culture War” – It’s Fascism. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/feb/13/african-american-studies-republican-ban-florida