Conservatism vs. Fascism — What's the Difference?

Advocates for minimal changes in society.

A far-right authoritarian ultranationalist political ideology.

Respects the rule of law and gradual political evolution.

Seeks to forge a uniform national community.

A political philosophy promoting traditional values and institutions.

Imposes strict control over the economy.

Emphasizes free-market economic policies.

Advocates for a one-party state with absolute power.

Values individual freedoms within the bounds of tradition.

Suppresses individual freedoms for state ideology.

Conservatism is the aesthetic, cultural, social, and political outlook that embodies the desire to conserve existing things, held to be either good in themselves, or better than the likely alternatives, or at least safe, familiar, and the objects of trust and affection.The central tenets of conservatism may vary in relation to the traditions and values of the culture and civilization in which it appears. In Western culture, conservatives seek to conserve a range of things such as organized religion, property rights, parliamentary government, family values, the natural environment, and classical and vernacular architecture.

Fascism () is a form of far-right, authoritarian ultranationalism characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and of the economy, which came to prominence in early 20th-century Europe. The first fascist movements emerged in Italy during World War I, before spreading to other European countries.

The inclination, especially in politics, to maintain the existing or traditional order.

An authoritarian and nationalistic right-wing system of government and social organization.

A political philosophy or attitude that emphasizes respect for traditional institutions and opposes the attempt to achieve social change through legislation or publicly funded programs.

A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, a capitalist economy subject to stringent governmental controls, violent suppression of the opposition, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism.

Caution or moderation, as in behavior or outlook.

A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government.

A political philosophy that advocates traditional values.

Oppressive, dictatorial control.

A risk-averse attitude or approach.

Any right-wing, authoritarian, nationalist ideology characterized by centralized, totalitarian governance, strong regimentation of the economy and society, and repression of criticism or opposition.

The disposition and tendency to preserve what is established; opposition to change; the habit of mind; or conduct, of a conservative.

Any system of strong autocracy or oligarchy usually to the extent of bending and breaking the law, race-baiting, and/or violence against largely unarmed populations.

A political or theological orientation advocating the preservation of the best in society and opposing radical changes

Any extreme reliance on or enforcement of rules and regulations.

A political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government; - opposed to democracy and liberalism.

An authoritarian system of government under absolute control of a single dictator, allowing no political opposition, forcibly suppressing dissent, and rigidly controlling most industrial and economic activities. Such regimes usually try to achieve popularity by a strongly nationalistic appeal, often mixed with racism.

Specifically, the Fascist movement led by Benito Mussolini in Italy from 1922 to 1943.

Broadly, a tendency toward or support of a strongly authoritarian or dictatorial control of government or other organizations; - often used pejoratively in this sense.

A political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government (as opposed to democracy or liberalism)

To maintain stability and continuity in society through traditional values and institutions.

Conservatism respects individual rights that align with traditional norms, while fascism often suppresses individual rights to strengthen state control.

Fascism imposes a homogenized national identity, often through coercive means, whereas conservatism may support a more pluralistic national identity.

Conservatism generally supports a laissez-faire economic model, whereas fascism implements a controlled economy managed by the state.

In conservatism, the military is primarily seen as a protective force for national defense and typically operates within the confines of civilian government oversight. In fascism, the military often plays a central role, heavily integrated into the governance and identity of the state, and may even be glorified as a symbol of national strength and unity.

While both seek order and control, conservatism does not inherently require the authoritarian or totalitarian elements typical of fascism.

Both ideologies can exhibit tendencies towards nationalism and a preference for strong leadership. However, the extent and manner in which these tendencies are expressed differ significantly, with conservatism operating within the bounds of democratic norms and fascism employing authoritarian measures.

In conservative societies, cultural expressions are often diverse but tied to historical and traditional values. Public expressions are moderated by social norms and legal constraints. In fascist regimes, cultural and public expressions are heavily monitored and controlled by the state, designed to enforce a unified ideological narrative and suppress dissent.

Conservatism typically supports a sovereign national state operating within an international order, where it may pursue its interests diplomatically. Fascism often harbors expansionist and imperialist ambitions, seeking to exert influence or control beyond its borders under the guise of national greatness or destiny.

Conservatism generally prefers gradual, organic social change that maintains the continuity of cultural and historical traditions. Fascism, however, may advocate for abrupt and enforced social change to align society with a specific nationalist or ideological vision, often implemented through aggressive policies and propaganda.