The problem is that "fascism" has no definition outside the context of mid 20th century Italian and German politics. And even that conflates Fascism with Nazism even though the two philosophies had rather important differences.
Marxism was, but Lenin and Mussolini were his greatest students/interpreters - both were theorists and practitioners, and analogous to one another as Soviet Communism and Italian Fascism were to one another.
It is not at all strange that Italy was so Marxist after the War, nor that Fascist and Communist movements should behave so interchangeably (E. Germany, Romania, etc.).
Anyone throwing around accusations of "fascism" is not to be trusted.
Unless their accusations are spot on, as rare as that may be.
True, but we must insist upon definition from the person.
The problem is that "fascism" has no definition outside the context of mid 20th century Italian and German politics. And even that conflates Fascism with Nazism even though the two philosophies had rather important differences.
The problem is that many of those who define fascism find themselves forced to make their preferred system not appear to be synonymous.
They define "fascism" to mean "resembles Nazi Germany or Fascist Italy in whatever way I deem relevant".
Who are "they?"
The people who like to throw around the word "fascism".
Is your circularity your only defense?
Yes. Same with "Marxism" and "Communism" becoming mere rhetorical devices.
No, Marxism and Communism were worked out universal theories before any governments adopted them.
Marxism was, but Lenin and Mussolini were his greatest students/interpreters - both were theorists and practitioners, and analogous to one another as Soviet Communism and Italian Fascism were to one another.
Quite interesting that fascist politics emerges directly from Marxist politics. Few know this.
It is not at all strange that Italy was so Marxist after the War, nor that Fascist and Communist movements should behave so interchangeably (E. Germany, Romania, etc.).
Or the definition of the person from whom they accepted it.