Fascism is often used by the political left to refer to the political right and vice versa. But what is fascism? What are its characteristics? In this episode, we look at what makes a political ideology fascist and understand the challenges in defining such a term. We address this issue as Italy elects its first female Prime Minister, Giorgina Meloni. A politician regarded as far-right by many in the mainstream media and an individual whose upbringing was influenced by former Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. As we assess her ideology, we will look for the conspiratorial antagonist reference in her speeches and determine whether conspiracy theories are on the rise in Italy's mainstream politics. Facebook The Social Chemist | Facebook Instagram The Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videos References fascism | Definition, Meaning, Characteristics, Examples, & History | BritannicaBenito Mussolini | Biography, Definition, Facts, Rise, & Death | BritannicaScepticism over Giorgia Meloni's claim' fascism is history' in Italian far right | Italy | The GuardianThat Giorgia Meloni speech captivating the U.S. right doesn't make sense - The Washington PostThe Return of Fascism in Italy - The AtlanticProject MUSE - How Autocrats Weaponize Women's Rights (jhu.edu)YouTube videos Fascism Explained - YouTubePodcasts The Ben Shapiro Show: The International Anti-Woke Backlash Has Begun on Apple PodcastsConspirituality: 122: Timeline Retox: Biohacking and Fascism and Stuff on Apple PodcastsRecommended Social Chemist Episodes The Gay Agenda & Pedophilia Scare Conspiracy Theory (buzzsprout.com)The Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory & The Reaction from the Republican Establishment (buzzsprout.com)The Transactional Relationship Between Conspiracy Theory Producer & Consumer (buzzsprout.com)Roe v. Wade: The Moral Argument of Abortion (buzzsprout.com)