Understanding Umberto Eco’s 14 Points of Fascism in Today’s America

The word fascism gets thrown around a lot in political debates, but what does it really mean? In 1995, Italian philosopher and novelist Umberto Eco wrote an essay called Ur-Fascism, where he outlined 14 key traits of fascist movements. These aren’t a rigid checklist—no movement has to check every box to be considered fascist. Instead, they serve as warning signs, symptoms of an authoritarian shift. The more of these traits we see, the more cause for concern.

In recent years, Eco’s framework has become disturbingly relevant in American politics. From the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol to the language used by political leaders, echoes of fascist ideology are resurfacing in ways we can’t afford to ignore. Let’s break down some of Eco’s points and how they connect to events happening today.

A Mythologized Past and Make America Great Again (Point 1: The Cult of Tradition)

Fascist movements often glorify a romanticized past—one that must be “restored” at any cost. The slogan Make America Great Again taps into this idea, painting an undefined “better time” that conveniently ignores the struggles of many Americans. Similarly, calls to return to unregulated industry, like Drill, Baby, Drill, promote a nostalgia that erases the environmental and economic damage of the past. When leaders sell the idea that things were once perfect—without acknowledging who was left out of that so-called golden era—they use a classic authoritarian tactic.

Resisting Progress and the Push for a Gilded Age Revival (Point 2: The Rejection of Modernism)

Fascism resists progress, especially when it threatens existing power structures. Today, we see some political movements pushing to roll back economic regulations and worker protections, favoring a system that benefits the ultra-wealthy—much like the Gilded Age, when a handful of elites thrived while 92% of Americans lived in or near poverty. When leaders celebrate this past instead of recognizing its deep inequalities, they reinforce a dangerous nostalgia for a society built on rigid hierarchies.

Glorifying Reckless Action and the January 6th Attack (Point 6: The Cult of Action for Action’s Sake)

Fascism thrives on impulsive, aggressive action over thoughtful debate. Eco describes how these movements glorify action as inherently noble, regardless of its consequences. The January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol is a stark example—rioters, fueled by misinformation, stormed the Capitol with no real plan beyond disrupting democracy. The violence against law enforcement—despite many insurrectionists claiming to be “pro-police”—reveals the movement’s deeper allegiance to chaos over principle.

Silencing Opposition and the Criminalization of Dissent (Point 7: Disagreement is Treason)

In authoritarian regimes, anyone who questions authority is labeled an enemy. Recently, we’ve seen growing efforts to discredit journalists, academics, and public officials—branding them as “traitors” for upholding facts that challenge those in power. Calling the press “the enemy of the people” or threatening election officials for simply doing their jobs mirrors the ways fascist movements suppress dissent.

“Real Americans” vs. Everyone Else (Point 11: Selective Populism)

Eco warns that fascist movements create a false sense of unity by defining a select group as the “true people” while excluding others. We see this today in how January 6th insurrectionists—many of whom assaulted police—have been celebrated as patriots, while others who protest injustice are labeled as criminals. This selective outrage reveals an authoritarian tendency: loyalty isn’t about lawfulness, but about serving a movement’s goals. Troublingly, some of those pardoned for their involvement in the insurrection have already reoffended, underscoring the ongoing threat of political violence.

Manipulating Language and the Power of Slogans (Point 14: Newspeak)

Eco’s final point highlights how fascist movements oversimplify language to discourage critical thinking. Today, phrases like Stop the Steal, Fake News, and Deep State aren’t just slogans—they’re tools designed to discredit democratic institutions without evidence. When complex issues are boiled down to emotionally charged buzzwords, it becomes easier to manipulate public perception and silence dissent.

What Can We Do?

Recognizing these patterns is the first step in resisting authoritarianism. Democracy isn’t self-sustaining—it requires active participation and protection from every member. The rise of fascism isn’t a sudden event; it creeps in gradually. Life continues—people get married, have children, go to the movies—while, little by little, civil liberties erode. By the time the full weight of oppression is felt, resistance becomes far more difficult. Here’s how we can help safeguard our democracy:

• Support a Free Press– Seek out credible news sources, fact-check information, and be mindful of misinformation. Critically think before you share.

• Engage in Civic Participation– Vote in every election, from local to national, and support policies that strengthen democratic institutions.

• Reject Political Violence– Condemn violence, no matter who commits it or what their political beliefs are.

• Encourage Critical Thinking– Challenge narratives that oversimplify complex issues or vilify entire groups.

• Stay Informed and Educate Others – Understanding history helps us recognize warning signs before they escalate.

America is not doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past, but vigilance is essential. Our democracy is only as strong as the people willing to defend it.