What Is Fascism? From the Anatomy of Fascism

by Robert O. Paxton

Based on a lifetime’s worth of research, esteemed historian Robert Paxton explores what fascism is and how it has come to have a lasting and continued impact on our history. In the concluding section of his authoritative book, The Anatomy of Fascism, Paxton makes the convincing and radical case that existing definitions of the popular, nationalist, and conservative political view are lacking, and offers up his own brilliant explication—drawn from concrete historical actions—thus transforming our understanding of this dangerous ideology and of why it takes hold when and where it does.

A Vintage Shorts Selection. An ebook short.

Genres: Politics, History, Nonfiction

34 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2018

About the author

Robert Owen Paxton is an American political scientist and historian specializing in Vichy France, fascism, and Europe during the World War II era. After attending secondary school in New England, he received a B.A. from Washington and Lee University in 1954. Later, he won a Rhodes Scholarship and spent two years earning an M.A. at Merton College, Oxford, where he studied under historians including James Joll and John Roberts. He earned a Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1963. Paxton taught at the University of California, Berkeley and the State University of New York at Stony Brook before joining the faculty of Columbia University in 1969. He served there for the remainder of his career, retiring in 1997. He remains a professor emeritus. He has contributed more than twenty reviews to The New York Review of Books, beginning in 1978 and continuing through 2017.

Reviews

[Marc ZEIMET · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Paxton's What is Fascism?, extracted from his seminal work Anatomy of Fascism, offers readers a compelling entry point into the study of fascism. Paxton's approach is refreshingly distinct in that it shifts the focus from ideological purity to a more pragmatic analysis of fascism as a political and social force "in action." By emphasizing the actions of fascist movements and the power structures they build, Paxton uncovers significant new dimensions of the phenomenon that go beyond theoretical discourse. His focus on how fascist movements evolve and take root offers valuable insights into the dynamic and fluid nature of fascism, allowing us to understand its historical and contemporary manifestations better.

While this approach certainly brings to light many fascinating aspects, it is not without limitations. By prioritizing action over ideology, Paxton’s analysis may at times overlook the ideological underpinnings that fuel such movements, or it may risk simplifying the complex interplay between ideology and action. Nevertheless, Paxton’s work contributes to the broader discussion by offering a framework that helps readers identify common patterns across different fascist regimes.

A particularly valuable addition to Paxton's analysis is his framework of the five stages of fascist development, which provides a structured lens through which to view the rise of fascism. This framework is especially useful in understanding how fascism takes shape over time, as it helps to map out the sequential steps that facilitate the transition from fragile political movements to entrenched systems of power.

In conclusion, while Paxton’s What is Fascism? may leave certain questions unanswered or require further exploration, it significantly enriches the conversation around fascism. Its focus on action rather than ideology, coupled with the insightful five-stage framework, makes it an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how fascist systems emerge and operate. As we continue to witness the rise of populist and authoritarian movements globally, Paxton's work remains a vital resource for recognizing the patterns that precede such regimes and for fostering a more informed approach to confronting their dangers.

[August Denys · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very short book. In fact, it is a reprint from another book. It functions as a conclusion and often makes references to work done in other chapters that do not appear in this book. However, does this book still work? Yes. Even though there is information that is not present, one can still gain some useful insight from this. It can lead to other resources, it clarifies some of the ongoing debates on the definition of Fascism, and then gives its own definition of fascism as tendencies to watch. Nevertheless, if we want to make sure Fascism never happens again, a desire that is being challenged at this very moment in history, then this book can show us the seriousness needed when identifying Fascism in a short time. We need to be serious about the threat of Fascism at all times. This book is not comprehensive by itself. Its definition of Fascism is good, but that does not mean that our understanding should come only from this book. I have the book that this is taken from, but I have not read that book. I will get to that at a later date, but for now, this book indeed has lessons one can learn.

[Ann Burruss · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the end of October in 2025 and it is necessary to read Paxton. You can read the entire book, Anatomy of Fascism, or you can read the excerpt What is Fascism? From this excerpt you will get the essentials. Paxton's stages of fascism are not included in this excerpt so I will include them here. Bonus!!

In his essay, "The Five Stages of Fascism," Paxton outlined the path a fascist movement takes to come to power:
1) Creation of movements: Dissatisfaction with democracy leads to discussions of lost national vigor.
2) Rooting in the political system: Political deadlock and polarization help the movement become a significant national player.
3) Seizure of power: Conservative elites invite fascists to share power to control leftist opposition.
4) Exercise of power: The leader and movement control the state while balancing authority with established institutions.
5) Long-term radicalization or entropy: The state either becomes more radical (like Nazi Germany) or evolves into a traditional authoritarian system (like Fascist Italy).

You can decide where you think the United States are situated in October 2025. Hint: we are past stage 3.

[Terry L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Powerful Primer on Fascism; Essential Reading for Understanding Modern Authoritarianism

Robert O. Paxton’s "What Is Fascism?" is a concise and lucid introduction to ideas he explores more deeply in his essential work *The Anatomy of Fascism*. In just a few pages, Paxton distills decades of scholarship into a remarkably clear explanation of how fascist movements arise, evolve, and entrench themselves in society. This small volume serves as both a primer and a warning—highly relevant to understanding current global trends and political rhetoric. For Americans seeking to make sense of today’s challenges to democracy, Paxton’s insights are indispensable and urgently worth reading.

[Mike Lisanke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I brief but effective book on fascism. It's roots in Italy and Germany and its copies by autocrats after. And briefly its relationship to socialism and its political basis and implementation. I can't say you'll learn what you want from this very brief book But it'll be a starting point.

[Tom Boyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

big words

Keep a dictionary handy. Easy to lose your thoughts when stumbling over words you don’t know. There are good points.

[Mike Slater]

Interesting and well sourced. In line with what I already knew but with a lot more detail.