what is fascist

A fascist is someone who supports or promotes fascism, a far-right, authoritarian, and ultranationalist political ideology and movement. Fascism is characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural social hierarchy, and the subordination of individual interests to the perceived interests of the nation or race. Fascists advocate for strong social and economic regimentation and often reject democracy, liberalism, socialism, and communism. Fascism emphasizes extreme nationalism, loyalty to the nation or race above individual rights, and often involves the glorification of strength, unity, and purity. It historically appeared in early 20th-century Europe, most famously in Italy under Mussolini and in Nazi Germany, where it sometimes included overt racism and imperialist ambitions. Fascism typically involves the use of violence or force to achieve its aims and suppress dissent.