Fascism vs Totalitarianism
Fascism is a far-right, ultranationalist ideology that emerged in interwar Europe, rejecting democracy, liberalism and Marxism in favor of a single-party state led by one leader.
- The nation is the highest value, and individuals exist to serve it.
- Parliamentary democracy, liberalism and Marxism should be rejected.
- A single party and a supreme leader should hold all political power.
Totalitarianism is a form of rule in which a single party and leader seek total control over the state, society and private life through an official ideology and terror.
- The state, party or movement has authority over every area of life.
- An official ideology claims to explain history and define the goals of society.
- A single mass party led by one leader should hold a monopoly of power.
- Fascism: petals and stars
- Totalitarianism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Religion75 points apart
Fascism: Religious (mild). Totalitarianism: Secular (moderate).
- Ownership65 points apart
Fascism: Private (moderate). Totalitarianism: Public (mild).
- Morality55 points apart
Fascism: Traditional (strong). Totalitarianism: Traditional (mild).
- Welfare45 points apart
Fascism: Self-reliant (mild). Totalitarianism: Shared (mild).
★ Where they are closest
- Security · 0 apart
- Authority · 0 apart
- Technology · 10 apart
Axis by axis
Totalitarianism
Economy
Equality / Markets- OwnershipModerate: Private33%67%PublicPrivate
- MarketsModerate: Planned70%30%PlannedFree
- WelfareMild: Self-reliant43%57%SharedSelf-reliant
State and liberty
Liberty / Authority- AuthorityStrong: Strong leader0%100%DemocraticStrong leader
- SecurityStrong: Order0%100%LibertyOrder
- StructureStrong: Central5%95%LocalCentral
Society
Progress / Tradition- MoralityStrong: Traditional13%87%ProgressiveTraditional
- ReligionMild: Religious35%65%SecularReligious
- TechnologyMild: Embrace60%40%EmbraceCaution
- CultureStrong: National identity0%100%MulticulturalNational identity
World
Global / Nation- TradeStrong: Protected8%92%GlobalProtected
- Foreign policyStrong: Strength0%100%CooperationStrength
★ 12 Axes Political Test ★
How close are you to Fascism or Totalitarianism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Fascism or Totalitarianism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
Fascism vs Totalitarianism
What is the difference between Fascism and Totalitarianism?
Fascism is a far-right, ultranationalist ideology that emerged in interwar Europe, rejecting democracy, liberalism and Marxism in favor of a single-party state led by one leader. Totalitarianism is a form of rule in which a single party and leader seek total control over the state, society and private life through an official ideology and terror. On the 12 axes they differ most on religion, ownership, morality.
What do Fascism and Totalitarianism have in common?
Their positions are closest on security, authority, technology. Overall their profiles are a 80% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to Fascism or Totalitarianism?
Take the 12 Axes Political Test. Your result shows your match with both, and with every other ideology on the site, axis by axis.