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Letters | Stop global rise of fascism to save not just democracy but all of humanity
- Humanity must not bury the threat of encroaching fascism and instead work together against its rise by recognising the omnipresent signs
- Fascism and its horrific, unchecked trajectory could ultimately propel nations into a conflict of immense proportions that will spell devastation for all
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The current global rise of fascism has left a bewildered world rather breathless. Since being popularised by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini in the 1920s, fascism and accusations of it have become a common theme in global political discourse.
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The frightening signs of fascism are growing around the globe and come at different levels and in different stripes in modern times. In her book Fascism: A Warning, former US secretary of state Madeleine Albright implores the global community not to take democracy for granted any longer.
It is a grim fact that democracy around the world is “under assault” and “in retreat”, as the NGO Freedom House has described it. Humanity must not bury the threat of encroaching fascism and instead work together against its rise by recognising the omnipresent signs.
Fascism is hostile to a free society and loathes democracy. It brazenly champions “might makes right” – a survival strategy of the nastiest – and detests vulnerability. The sight of weakness brings out the jackboot in the fascist mind. Fascists cherish audacity and bombastic bravado, promoting charismatic, political demagogues as strong leaders.
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Fascism and its horrific, unchecked trajectory could ultimately propel nations into a conflict of immense proportions. For today’s fascists, violence is both an ethical norm and a narrative device. Unrestrained fascism will cause the world to fall apart, resulting in the decimation of democracy.
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