The Rhetoric of Fascism

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The term "fascist" has increasingly infiltrated contemporary political discourse, marking a significant shift in how political opponents are labeled. Historically, it served as a pejorative aimed at discrediting rivals, but with the emergence of extremist parties and candidates worldwide, even mainstream commentators now employ the term to highlight a perceived resurgence of dangerous ideologies. This book explores the persuasive devices that define fascist discourse, shedding light on its persistent allure and relevance in today's political landscape. Drawing from Kenneth Burke's work, it presents a definition of fascism as the systematic use of rhetorical strategies that promote a cult of irrationality, emphasizing victimhood and dignity within newly formed social groups. This approach shifts the focus from the manifestations of fascism in political entities to the language that enables such expressions. Introductory chapters provide a theoretical foundation based on 20th-century history, while subsequent chapters delve into specific historical figures and their connections to contemporary rhetoric. Each chapter highlights a particular rhetorical device characteristic of fascist discourse, equipping readers with critical tools to recognize familiar strategies of persuasion and propaganda without claiming to cover all aspects of fascism comprehensively.