why is total war the only kind of war for fascists?

Han Dos

2 min read

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06-03-2025

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Why Total War Is the Only Kind of War for Fascists

Fascist regimes, throughout history, have demonstrated a unique and chilling affinity for total war. This isn't merely a preference for large-scale conflict; it's a fundamental element of their ideology and a necessary component for achieving their ultimate goals. Understanding this connection requires examining the core tenets of fascism and how total war serves as a vehicle for their implementation.

The Fascist Vision: A Total Transformation

At its heart, fascism is a revolutionary ideology aiming for the total transformation of society. It rejects liberal democracy, individual rights, and international cooperation, instead advocating for a rigidly hierarchical state controlled by a single, powerful leader. This vision necessitates the complete subjugation of the populace and the eradication of any opposition. Total war, with its inherent capacity for societal upheaval and mobilization, provides the perfect means to achieve this transformation.

Characteristics of Fascist Warfare:

• Elimination of Internal Opposition: Total war demands national unity. Fascist regimes use wartime conditions to suppress internal dissent, labeling opponents as traitors or enemies of the state. This allows them to consolidate power and eliminate any threat to their rule. The war effort becomes a justification for extreme measures, including the imprisonment, persecution, or even extermination of marginalized groups deemed "unworthy" or "dangerous."

• Mobilization of the Entire Nation: Unlike traditional warfare, total war involves the mobilization of all aspects of society – economic, social, and cultural. This requires a centralized, authoritarian state capable of controlling every facet of civilian life. Fascist regimes, with their inherent emphasis on centralized control and obedience, excel at this form of mobilization. The economy is geared towards war production, individual freedoms are curtailed, and propaganda is used to cultivate unquestioning loyalty.

• Expansionist Ambitions: Many fascist ideologies are inherently expansionist, seeking to establish dominance over other nations and peoples. Total war is viewed as the necessary instrument to achieve these imperial ambitions. It justifies military conquest and the subjugation of other populations, furthering the ideology's goal of creating a "new order." The war itself becomes a tool to expand influence and impose fascist ideals on conquered territories.

• The Cult of Violence and Sacrifice: Fascist regimes often cultivate a cult of violence and self-sacrifice, glorifying war and militarism. Total war allows them to indulge this cult, demanding complete devotion from the population. Individual lives become expendable in the pursuit of the greater national goal, reinforcing the regime’s control and eliminating individual autonomy.

Total War: The Necessary Tool, Not an Accidental Outcome

The preference for total war isn't a strategic accident or a consequence of escalating conflicts. It is fundamentally linked to the fascist project. The immense power and social control afforded by total war are essential for implementing the radical transformation of society envisioned by fascist regimes. The scale of violence and the extent of societal control required are inherent, not circumstantial.

Conclusion: The Inseparable Bond

Total war and fascism are inextricably linked. Total war isn't just a tool used by fascist regimes; it's an integral part of their ideology, a necessary condition for their existence and the pursuit of their ultimate goals. Understanding this connection is crucial to understanding the dangers of fascism and the importance of resisting its resurgence in any form.