Symbolic representation of fascism with Latin American influences.

Fascism Through a Latin American Lens: Unpacking the Honest Contradictions

Avery Sinclair in Politics & Policy June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore José Carlos Mariátegui's unique perspective on the rise of fascism, revealing its complex appeal and inherent tensions."

Fascism, a political phenomenon that dominated Italy for two decades, continues to be a subject of intense scrutiny and debate. Understanding its origins and appeal requires examining diverse perspectives, including those from outside the European context.

José Carlos Mariátegui, a prominent Latin American intellectual, offered a unique lens through which to view the rise of fascism in Italy. His writings, compiled in "The Origins of Fascism," provide insightful observations on the movement's complexities and contradictions.

This article delves into Mariátegui's analysis of fascism, exploring his nuanced understanding of its appeal to various segments of society, its manipulation of socialist ideals, and its inherent tensions. By examining his perspective, we can gain a richer understanding of this complex and consequential political ideology.

The Seduction of the Middle Class: Fascism's Appeal Beyond Traditional Boundaries

Symbolic representation of fascism with Latin American influences.

Fascism's rise to power was not solely a product of economic instability; it was also fueled by its appeal to the middle class. Jean Baudrillard astutely observed that democracy represents the 'menopause of Western society,' while fascism embodies its 'midlife lust.' This resonates with the understanding that fascism tapped into the anxieties and aspirations of a social stratum.

The middle class, often seen as the bedrock of modern Western societies, found itself in a precarious position during times of economic crisis. With rising unemployment and a sense of vulnerability, this segment became susceptible to the promises of stability and order offered by fascist movements.

Economic Security: Fascism promised to safeguard the economic interests of the middle class, protecting them from the perceived threats of both socialist revolution and capitalist exploitation.
Nationalist Sentiment: Fascist ideology tapped into strong nationalist sentiments, offering a sense of belonging and purpose to those who felt alienated by the rapid social and economic changes of the time.
Order and Authority: Fascism appealed to those who craved order and stability, promising to restore traditional values and suppress dissent.

By positioning itself as a defender of traditional values and a guarantor of economic stability, fascism successfully seduced a significant portion of the middle class, propelling its rise to power.

Lessons for Today: Understanding Fascism's Enduring Appeal

Mariátegui's analysis of fascism offers valuable lessons for understanding the enduring appeal of authoritarian ideologies. His work reminds us that economic anxieties, nationalist sentiments, and a desire for order can create fertile ground for extremist movements. By critically examining the historical context of fascism and its seductive power, we can better equip ourselves to resist its resurgence in contemporary society.

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Everything You Need To Know

Who was José Carlos Mariátegui, and why is his analysis of fascism important?

José Carlos Mariátegui, a Latin American intellectual, provided a unique perspective on fascism by examining its rise in Italy. His insights, compiled in "The Origins of Fascism," shed light on the ideology's complexities and inherent contradictions, making him a valuable resource for understanding its appeal and impact on political thought.

What were the key appeals of fascism that contributed to its rise to power?

Fascism appealed to various segments of society, particularly the middle class. It promised economic security, protecting them from both socialist revolution and capitalist exploitation. It also tapped into nationalist sentiments, offering a sense of belonging. Finally, it offered order and authority, promising to restore traditional values and suppress dissent. This multifaceted appeal contributed to the success of fascism.

Why did the middle class become susceptible to the promises of fascism?

The middle class found itself in a precarious position during times of economic crisis. Rising unemployment and a sense of vulnerability made this segment susceptible to the promises of stability and order offered by fascist movements. Fascism presented itself as a defender of traditional values and a guarantor of economic stability, successfully attracting a significant portion of the middle class.

What does Jean Baudrillard's observation reveal about the appeal of fascism?

Jean Baudrillard's observation that democracy represents the 'menopause of Western society,' while fascism embodies its 'midlife lust,' suggests that fascism tapped into the anxieties and aspirations of a social stratum. This resonates with the understanding that fascism appealed to those who felt disenfranchised and sought a renewed sense of purpose and vitality.

What valuable lessons can we learn from Mariátegui's analysis of fascism for today?

Mariátegui's analysis highlights that economic anxieties, nationalist sentiments, and a desire for order can create fertile ground for extremist movements. Understanding the historical context of fascism and its seductive power helps us to resist the resurgence of similar ideologies in contemporary society, providing valuable lessons for today's world.