Leadership that is characterised by fascist ideology often employs a realist paradigm by prioritising self-interest as a justification for aggressive state behavior, including engagement in invasion and wars. This approach is generally rooted in the notion that states operate in an anarchic international system, where security and power are paramount, and moral or ethical considerations are secondary to national interests.
Fascist leaders mostly exploit this paradigm to legitimise aggression by framing invasion and wars as necessary measures to assert dominance, protect national interests, or expand their territorial influence. They mobilise support by rallying their support base around nationalist and other sentiment, by emphasising threats to sovereignty or security. Fascist leaders suppress dissent by portraying critics as disloyal or weak on national security.
This leadership approach always leads to increased conflict because they prioritise self-interest over cooperation and diplomacy, and human rights abuses. They justify violence or oppression as a necessity for national security or greatness. The erosion of international cooperation is another consequence. They undermine institutions and norms that promote peace and stability.
Examples include Nazi Germany, where Hitler’s expansionist policies were justified by Aryan supremacy and Lebensraum ideology, Fascist Italy, where Mussolini’s invasion of Ethiopia was framed as a colonial “civilizing mission”, and the presidency of Donald Trump, whose “America First” rhetoric and policies often prioritised so called national interests over international cooperation and human rights concerns. Trump’s approach to trade wars, negative immigration policies, invasion of Venezuela and the attack of Iran exemplifies a neo-nationalist or authoritarian populist style reminiscent of fascist leaders.
Frederick Braimah. Ph.D.
Elizade University, Ilara-mokin. Ondo State. Nigeria.
9th March, 2026.
Gatekeepers News is not liable for opinions expressed in this article; they’re strictly the writer’s
