Fascism vs. Militarism: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 29, 2023
Fascism is a political ideology emphasizing authoritarian nationalism. Militarism is the belief or desire of a government or people to maintain a strong military capability.
Key Differences
Fascism is a political system where power is centralized in a dictator and the state, often characterized by strict social and economic control and a strong, centralized government. Militarism, in contrast, is the emphasis on military strength and readiness, often prioritizing the military over other aspects of society.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Fascism often suppresses opposition and strongly emphasizes nationalist sentiments, sometimes leading to expansionist policies. Militarism, while not necessarily expansionist, involves a focus on military power and its use as a tool of policy, which can be prevalent in various government forms.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
In Fascism, the state's role is paramount, and individual rights are often suppressed for the collective good, as defined by the ruling party. Militarism does not inherently suppress individual rights but may lead to a society where military values like discipline and hierarchy overshadow civilian values.
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Dec 29, 2023
Fascism typically involves a propaganda-driven push for loyalty to the state and its leader. In contrast, Militarism may exist in a democracy, emphasizing the importance of military forces and their role in society without necessarily promoting a single leader or party.
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Dec 29, 2023
Fascism often includes a disdain for electoral democracy and political pluralism, favoring a single-party rule. Militarism, however, can exist within various political systems, including democratic ones, and does not inherently oppose political plurality or democracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Government Structure
Centralized, dictatorial
Can vary, but military has significant influence
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Dec 29, 2023
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Fascism and Militarism Definitions
Fascism
Political philosophy that exalts nation above the individual.
Fascism often leads to aggressive nationalism and racism.
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Dec 29, 2023
Militarism
Glorification of the military and readiness for conflict.
Militarism led to a society obsessed with military prowess.
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Dec 29, 2023
Fascism
Regime characterized by dictatorial power and forcible suppression of opposition.
The fascist regime quickly dismantled democratic institutions.
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Dec 29, 2023
Militarism
The belief that a country should maintain a strong military.
The rise in militarism was evident in the increased defense budget.
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Dec 29, 2023
Fascism
A system where the state has complete power over all aspects of life.
Under fascism, individual freedoms were sacrificed for state control.
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Dec 29, 2023
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Militarism
Predominance of the armed forces in the administration of a state.
Under militarism, the military had significant influence over government decisions.
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Dec 29, 2023
Fascism
A movement that promotes an extreme form of nationalism and militarism.
Fascism in the 20th century led to devastating wars.
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Dec 29, 2023
Militarism
A policy of aggressive military preparedness.
Militarism contributed to the nation's aggressive foreign policy.
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Dec 29, 2023
Fascism
A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, a capitalist economy subject to stringent governmental controls, violent suppression of the opposition, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fascism
A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government.
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Oct 19, 2023
Militarism
Predominance of the armed forces in the administration or policy of the state.
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Oct 19, 2023
Militarism
A policy in which military preparedness is of primary importance to a state.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fascism
Any right-wing, authoritarian, nationalist ideology characterized by centralized, totalitarian governance, strong regimentation of the economy and society, and repression of criticism or opposition.
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Oct 19, 2023
Militarism
An ideology which claims that the military is the foundation of a society's security, and thereby its most important aspect.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fascism
Any system of strong autocracy or oligarchy usually to the extent of bending and breaking the law, race-baiting, and/or violence against largely unarmed populations.
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Oct 19, 2023
Militarism
A military state or condition; a military system; reliance on military force in administering government.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fascism
A political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government; - opposed to democracy and liberalism.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fascism
An authoritarian system of government under absolute control of a single dictator, allowing no political opposition, forcibly suppressing dissent, and rigidly controlling most industrial and economic activities. Such regimes usually try to achieve popularity by a strongly nationalistic appeal, often mixed with racism.
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Oct 19, 2023
Militarism
The view that military strength, efficiency and values should dominate the country's public policy choices and take precedence over other interests.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fascism
Specifically, the Fascist movement led by Benito Mussolini in Italy from 1922 to 1943.
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Oct 19, 2023
Militarism
The policy of maintaining a large military force, even in peacetime; - a term usually used by opponents of such a policy on the assumption that such a large force is unnecessary for national defense.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fascism
Broadly, a tendency toward or support of a strongly authoritarian or dictatorial control of government or other organizations; - often used pejoratively in this sense.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Militarism
A political orientation of a people or a government to maintain a strong military force and to be prepared to use it aggresively to defend or promote national interests
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Fascism
A political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government (as opposed to democracy or liberalism)
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Oct 19, 2023
Militarism
Emphasis on military power in resolving international disputes.
Militarism often leads to a preference for using military force in diplomacy.
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Dec 29, 2023
Fascism
A system of authoritarian and nationalistic right-wing government.
Under fascism, the government suppressed all forms of political dissent.
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Dec 29, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is Militarism always linked to aggression?
Not necessarily; it's more about prioritizing military strength and readiness, which can be defensive.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can Fascism and Militarism coexist?
Yes, a fascist state can also be militaristic, but they are not dependent on each other.
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Dec 29, 2023
Do Fascist governments always engage in expansionism?
Often, but not always. Expansionism is common in fascist ideologies but not a defining feature.
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Dec 29, 2023
What are the key characteristics of Militarism?
Emphasis on military strength, readiness for war, and the influence of military values on society.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can a democratic country be militaristic?
Yes, a democracy can maintain a focus on military strength and values.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can Fascism exist without a dictator?
While it typically involves a dictatorial leader, some forms of fascism may have different leadership structures.
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Dec 29, 2023
What is Fascism?
A political ideology that promotes a dictatorial, one-party state with stringent social and economic control.
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Dec 29, 2023
How does Fascism affect individual rights?
Fascism often suppresses individual rights in favor of state control and nationalistic goals.
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Dec 29, 2023
What impact does Militarism have on society?
It can lead to a society where military success and values are highly esteemed.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is Fascism linked to a specific economic system?
No, it can coexist with different economic systems but often involves state control over key industries.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can Militarism exist independently of the government type?
Yes, it can exist in various forms of government, including democracies and dictatorships.
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Dec 29, 2023
Does Militarism require a large military?
Not necessarily large, but well-funded and influential in national affairs.
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Dec 29, 2023
How does Militarism impact a country's foreign policy?
It often leads to a more aggressive and military-focused foreign policy.
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Dec 29, 2023
Does Fascism allow political opposition?
Generally, no. Fascism typically suppresses political pluralism and opposition.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can Militarism lead to international tensions?
Yes, a militaristic stance can escalate tensions and contribute to conflicts.
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Dec 29, 2023
What role do military values play in a militaristic society?
Military values like discipline and hierarchy can overshadow civilian values in a militaristic society.
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Dec 29, 2023
How does Militarism affect domestic policies?
It can lead to increased military spending and influence over domestic policies, often at the expense of social programs.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is nationalism a component of Fascism?
Yes, extreme nationalism is a core element of fascism.
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Dec 29, 2023
Does Fascism respect international laws and norms?
Fascist regimes often disregard international laws and norms, especially those that conflict with their goals.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can a country transition away from Fascism?
Yes, but it often requires significant political, social, and sometimes military changes.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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