Concerns about fascism are rising again in American politics. With Donald Trump back in the White House, many voices warn that the U.S. could be moving toward authoritarian rule. But beyond political arguments, experts say it is important to understand what fascism actually is before judging whether it is returning.
Fascism is not just strict rule or harsh policies. It is a specific worldview. Nikos Sotirakopoulos, a political commentator and lecturer, described this in his 2025 talk titled “The Road to Fascism (and Are We on It?)” at the Objectivist Summer Conference in Boston.
He explained that fascism sees the state—or sometimes a nation or race—as a sacred ideal. Under fascism, the individual is expected to submit fully to this ideal. Personal freedom becomes secondary. The group, guided by a powerful leader, is treated as more important than any individual rights.
Sotirakopoulos outlined common steps that fascist movements follow. First, they often rise during times of deep crisis. Economic problems, cultural shifts, or political instability create fear and anger. Fascist leaders use these emotions to gain support.
Second, fascist movements build a strong cult of personality. They promote a single leader as a national savior who promises to restore lost greatness. This leader is portrayed as above normal politics and beyond criticism.
Third, fascists attack the rule of law and democratic norms. They present legal systems, free media, and independent institutions as obstacles to national revival. They often spread false information to confuse the public and weaken trust in truth itself.
Sotirakopoulos noted that some traits of the MAGA movement resemble elements of fascism. The strong personal loyalty many supporters show to Donald Trump can appear like a cult of personality. The movement also often uses fear-based messages, warning of threats from immigrants, elites, or political opponents. In addition, critics say it has shown contempt for legal checks and democratic rules.
However, he stressed that MAGA is not fully fascist. True fascism, he said, requires a deep and consistent ideological commitment. It is not just about personal loyalty or political anger. Fascism seeks to reshape society completely under state power. MAGA, in his view, lacks that level of organized ideology.
Even if MAGA does not meet the full definition of fascism, Sotirakopoulos warned that its authoritarian impulses are real. Authoritarianism can erode freedoms even without turning into full fascism. Once people accept strongman rule and abandon respect for truth, freedom becomes vulnerable.
He argued that defending reason and truth is the best way to resist authoritarian thinking. He called truth and reason the “disinfectants of fascism.” If people rely on evidence and open debate, they can stop fear and propaganda from taking over.
In his talk, Sotirakopoulos also answered questions about the broader future of American politics. Some asked whether there is hope within the Republican Party to resist authoritarian trends. Others asked about the rise of the “manosphere,” a network of online groups promoting rigid gender roles, and whether it connects to fascist ideas. He also discussed whether Trump’s political opponents can stop any drift toward fascism.
Sotirakopoulos said there is hope, but only if people across the political spectrum defend core democratic values. That means supporting the rule of law, protecting free speech, and rejecting the idea of unquestioned leaders.
The talk did not claim that fascism has already taken hold in America. Instead, it served as a warning. History shows that fascism grows when people are scared and seek easy answers from strong leaders. It can be stopped, he said, if citizens stay alert, value facts, and defend individual freedom.
The full talk, “The Road to Fascism (and Are We on It?),” is available on The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast. It was recorded live on July 2, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts.
By understanding what fascism is and how it spreads, Americans can be better prepared to defend democracy if such threats ever appear.
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