Fascism severely restricted individual rights and freedoms by prioritizing state control and national unity over personal liberties. In fascist regimes, such as those in Italy and Nazi Germany, the government exercised strict censorship and suppressed any form of dissent or opposition, often utilizing propaganda and violence . The totalitarian nature of fascism meant that all aspects of society, including individual behavior and beliefs, were subject to state oversight. This resulted in the elimination of democratic institutions, the repression of minority groups, and the promotion of an unquestioning obedience to a supreme leader, which fundamentally undermined personal freedoms and social pluralism .

The rise of fascism in early 20th-century Europe can be attributed to a combination of political, economic, and social conditions. In Italy, disillusionment with the outcome of World War I and the subsequent economic instability facilitated the rise of Mussolini's National Fascist Party. Mussolini emphasized the need for a strong leader and national unity to restore Italy's former glory . In Germany, the Treaty of Versailles and economic hardship, including hyperinflation and unemployment, created fertile ground for Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party, which promised to revive Germany’s power and promote extreme nationalism . Both movements capitalized on fears of communism and social unrest, offering authoritarianism as a solution to political and economic issues.

Military expansionism, a key aspect of fascism, had profound effects on international relations in the 20th century. This expansionist ideology, pursued aggressively by regimes like Mussolini's in Italy and Hitler's in Germany, contributed to the outbreak of World War II. By seeking to expand their borders across Europe, these regimes disregarded existing treaties and diplomatic norms, escalating tensions with neighboring countries and provoking military responses from opposing nations . This aggressive foreign policy not only destabilized regional security but also posed a direct challenge to the post-World War I international order, ultimately leading to widespread conflict and the realignment of global power structures .

Fascism’s emphasis on a "natural social hierarchy" manifests in its social policy frameworks through the promotion of inequality as both natural and beneficial for societal order and progress. Fascist regimes prioritize the interests and progress of the nation or race, often leading to systemic discrimination against minorities, enforcing gender roles, and suppressing classes viewed as threats to national unity . Policies are designed to maintain and reinforce these hierarchies, ensuring that leadership remains in the hands of 'superior' groups or individuals deemed essential for the nation's advancement. This hierarchical approach often leads to practices that marginalize dissenting voices and emphasize the subordination of individual rights to perceived collective goals .

Propaganda was a crucial tool in sustaining fascist regimes by manipulating public perception and reinforcing the ideologies and policies of leaders like Mussolini and Hitler. Both regimes heavily relied on propaganda to promote ideals of nationalism, militarism, and loyalty to the state . Mussolini and Hitler used state-controlled media and cultural institutions to propagate their visions, censor dissenting views, and glorify their leadership. In Nazi Germany, propaganda also facilitated the dissemination of anti-Semitic and racist ideologies, further entrenching societal divisions and justifying aggressive expansionist policies . This strategic use of propaganda enabled fascist leaders to consolidate power and maintain public support.

Benito Mussolini implemented fascist ideologies by establishing a dictatorship in Italy, emphasizing strong centralized power, and controlling the state. Mussolini's regime from 1922 to 1943 exemplified fascism in practice by promoting extreme nationalism, suppressing dissent, and advocating militarism and expansionism . Similarly, Adolf Hitler, leading Nazi Germany from 1933 onward, utilized propaganda, aggressive militarism, and anti-Semitism to propagate fascist ideas. Hitler's totalitarian control extended to all societal aspects, enforcing policies that eliminated opposition and furthered nationalistic, racial purity doctrines . Both leaders used the state apparatus to maintain power and advance their political agendas.

Fascism opposes ideologies such as democracy and socialism mainly due to its fundamental principles that conflict with those ideologies. Fascism's authoritarian nature contradicts democracy's emphasis on individual rights, electoral representation, and pluralism. It seeks to eliminate opposition through a centralized, autocratic regime, which is starkly different from the decentralization and participative governance of democratic systems . Furthermore, fascism's focus on nationalism and social hierarchy is opposed to socialism's advocacy for egalitarianism and communal ownership, which challenge fascist beliefs in natural social hierarchies and the prominence of the nation or race above individual or class interests. This fundamental incompatibility with pluralistic and egalitarian values underpins fascism's opposition to these ideologies .

The argument that a strong centralized authority in fascism provides economic stability and growth is contentious. Proponents argue that such centralized control allows for decisive policy implementation, swift decision-making, and coordinated national economic strategies, potentially leading to economic growth . However, critics highlight that the lack of checks and balances inherent in fascist regimes often leads to corruption, mismanagement, and unsustainable economic practices. The emphasis on militarism and expansionism often diverts resources from productive economic activities to military endeavors, destabilizing long-term economic stability. Moreover, the suppression of individual rights and freedoms can stifle innovation and entrepreneurship, thereby limiting economic potential. Thus, while short-term stability may be achieved, long-term economic viability is often compromised .

The speakers identified several pros of fascism, including a strong military presence, national unity, the ability to make swift decisions without prolonged debate, and opportunities for private business and property . However, they also highlighted significant cons, such as the potential for corruption, abuse of power, suppression of freedom of speech, and the promotion of war and violence as a means of achieving national objectives . These aspects illustrate the dual nature of fascism, providing certain structural advantages while fundamentally undermining human rights and democratic processes.

Fascism is characterized by authoritarianism, wherein power is centralized under a leader or party with limited accountability. Nationalism is emphasized through loyalty and devotion to the nation, often linked to cultural or ethnic superiority. Totalitarianism is a core characteristic, advocating control over every aspect of life, including politics and the economy. Fascism also involves suppression of dissent through censorship, propaganda, and force, and a focus on militarism, promoting military strength and expansionism as means to achieve national greatness .