One Thing That Differentiates Fascism From Other Politics

One Thing That Differentiates Fascism From Other Political Philosophie

One thing that differentiates fascism from other political philosophies is its emphasis on racial hierarchy and racial purity. Unlike liberalism or socialism, which primarily focus on individual rights or economic equality, fascism is characterized by its intense focus on race as a core element of national identity and political legitimacy. Fascist regimes, most notably Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler, promoted the notion that certain races were inherently superior, and this racial ideology served to justify policies of discrimination, expansion, and extermination.

Adolf Hitler's racial policy was rooted in a distorted interpretation of biology and history; he believed in the superiority of the so-called Aryan race, which he associated with Germans and Scandinavians. His anti-Semitism was a central element of his racial worldview, but it was also accompanied by hostility toward Slavic peoples, Roma, and others deemed racially inferior or unworthy of inclusion in his vision of the Reich. Hitler’s contempt for Slavs, calling them "mud people," was part of a broader racial hierarchy that placed Germans at the top.

Despite his racial animus towards Slavs and Jews, Hitler also aimed to expand German territory into regions inhabited by what he considered racially acceptable populations, such as Scandinavians, English, and Americans, all of whom fit the Aryan archetype according to Nazi racial doctrines. This raises an important question: why did Hitler target countries that had large populations of what he considered racially pure "Aryans" for conquest and domination?

Fascism’s Racial Ideology as a Foundational Element

Fascism's obsession with race, particularly in the case of Nazi fascism, is rooted in the belief that a nation’s strength and purity depend on racial homogeneity. Hitler’s racial policies aimed to transform Germany into a racially pure state, which he believed would be the pinnacle of human development. This racial ideology justified not only internal policies of persecution and genocide but also territorial expansion to acquire “living space” (Lebensraum) for the German race. The racial component of fascism distinguished it sharply from other political philosophies that emphasized class struggle, national sovereignty, or political freedom without the racial element.

The Strategic Goals Behind Expansion into Racially 'Pure' Countries

Despite the racial doctrine, Hitler's military and strategic objectives often led him to invade countries with populations he considered racially compatible. For example, Nazi Germany's invasions of Scandinavia, including Norway and Denmark, can be explained by geographical proximity, access to resources, and strategic military advantages, but they also aligned with Nazi racial policies by establishing control over regions deemed racially valuable. Similarly, although Britain and the United States had populations that fit the Aryan ideal, Hitler aimed to conquer these nations as part of his larger goal of global racial supremacy.

Hitler's desire to subjugate or destroy non-Aryan populations was deeply rooted in racial ideology, but he also recognized the importance of strategic considerations. For example, the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941 was motivated by both ideological goals—eliminating what he called "Jewish-Bolshevism"—and strategic economic motivations, such as gaining control over the Soviet Union's vast resources. The targeting of "Aryan" populations was therefore both an ideological and tactical component of fascist ambitions.

Why Target Countries with Predominantly Aryan Populations?

Hitler’s focus on conquering countries with predominantly Aryan populations can be explained by the desire to establish a racially homogeneous empire, which he believed would be more stable and stronger. Moreover, Nazi racial ideology emphasized the importance of bloodlines and racial purity, leading to the notion that these countries could be integrated into a Greater Germanic Reich based on shared racial features.

Another reason was the strategic necessity of gaining control over Europe and the Atlantic coast, which involved invading countries such as Britain and the US. The aim was to physically dominate and assimilate these populations to finalize a racially "pure" Europe and eventually expand influence worldwide. Hitler's strategic calculations betrayed an understanding that racial kinship could facilitate control, but his relentless expansion was driven by a vision of racial destiny that transcended simple geographical or racial compatibility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the distinctive feature of fascism, especially Nazi fascism, is its racial ideology that elevates certain races while dehumanizing others. This racial element influences policies of persecution, territorial expansion, and conquest. Hitler’s targeting of predominantly Aryan countries, despite his racial hatred for groups like Jews and Slavs, can be understood through the dual lens of racial ideology and strategic necessity. By striving to create a racially pure empire, fascist regimes sought not only territorial dominance but also the realization of a racial hierarchy that defined their entire political project.

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