Fascism displays an ambivalent stance towards parliamentary democracy. Explain.

Fascism displays an ambivalent stance towards parliamentary democracy. Explain.

Fascism's relationship with parliamentary democracy is indeed ambivalent and strategic. Fascist movements often utilize the mechanisms of democracy to achieve power, only to later dismantle these systems once in control. Fascists may initially engage with democratic institutions, participating in elections and using political campaigns to gain popular support. This approach is tactical; they leverage the legitimacy and infrastructure of democracy to gain a foothold in power. The examples of Mussolini in Italy and Hitler in Germany highlight how fascists used democratic elections to ascend to power. Fascism is inherently authoritarian, prioritizing a strong, centralized state led by a singular, charismatic leader. Once fascists attain power through democratic means, they typically move quickly to consolidate authority. This often involves eroding democratic institutions, sidelining the legislature, and undermining judicial independence, thus dismantling the checks and balances that d…