Stephen Fry Uses ‘That Word’ On The BBC

Although a mainstream luvvie, he has used that word on the BBC. A word we should all now use to describe what is taking place around us.

Stephen Fry: “I’m deeply worried by the darkening shadow that’s going over the world, a shadow that we have to call fascism”

Laura Kuenssberg: “You would use that word?”

Stephen Fry: “Oh absolutely. It’s a cult of power; and power only speaks to power”#bbclaurak pic.twitter.com/J4YTl6IfuC

— David (@Zero_4) February 23, 2025

The warnings have been there for some time:

Fascism, characterised by authoritarianism, nationalism, and the suppression of dissent, has seen a resurgence in various forms across Europe and beyond in recent years. While outright fascist regimes are rare, elements of fascist ideology have crept into mainstream politics, often under the guise of populism or nationalism. Below are examples of how these tendencies are manifesting:

Europe

1. Hungary
   • Under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary has seen a steady erosion of democratic institutions. Orbán’s Fidesz party has curtailed press freedom, undermined judicial independence, and targeted NGOs and universities. His rhetoric often emphasises “illiberal democracy” and anti-immigrant sentiment, echoing fascist themes of national purity.
2. Poland
   • The Law and Justice Party (PiS) has implemented policies that weaken the rule of law, including attempts to control the judiciary. The government has also targeted LGBTQ+ communities and promoted a conservative, nationalist agenda that marginalises minority groups.
3. Italy
   • The rise of Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, which has roots in the post-fascist Italian Social Movement, has raised concerns. While Meloni has distanced herself from fascism, her party’s emphasis on nationalism, traditional values, and anti-immigration policies aligns with far-right ideologies.
4. France
   • Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (formerly National Front) has normalised far-right rhetoric in French politics. While not explicitly fascist, the party’s anti-immigrant stance, Euroscepticism, and emphasis on national identity echo fascist themes.
5. Germany
   • The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has gained traction by capitalising on anti-immigrant sentiment and Euroscepticism. While it operates within the democratic system, its rhetoric often flirts with xenophobia and historical revisionism, downplaying Germany’s Nazi past.
6. Spain
   • Vox, a far-right party, has risen to prominence by promoting nationalist and anti-immigrant policies. Its rhetoric often targets regional autonomy, feminism, and LGBTQ+ rights, reflecting authoritarian tendencies.
7. Greece
   • The Golden Dawn party, though now banned, was a stark example of neo-fascism in Europe. Its members engaged in violent attacks on immigrants and political opponents, while its ideology promoted ultranationalism and xenophobia.
8. Russia
   • Under Vladimir Putin, Russia has embraced authoritarianism, suppressed dissent, and promoted a nationalist ideology that glorifies the Soviet past. While not fascist in the traditional sense, the regime’s use of propaganda, militarism, and suppression of opposition shares similarities with fascist tactics.

Beyond Europe

1. United States
   • The rise of far-right movements, such as the Proud Boys and QAnon, alongside the rhetoric of former President Donald Trump, has raised concerns about the normalisation of authoritarian and nationalist ideologies. While the U.S. remains a democracy, the erosion of democratic norms and the promotion of conspiracy theories echo fascist tendencies.
2. India
   • Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has promoted Hindu nationalism, marginalising religious minorities, particularly Muslims. The government has also cracked down on dissent and press freedom, reflecting authoritarian tendencies.
3. Brazil
   • Former President Jair Bolsonaro’s rhetoric often echoed fascist themes, including glorifying the military dictatorship, attacking the press, and promoting nationalist and anti-LGBTQ+ policies. While he lost the 2022 election, his influence persists in Brazilian politics.
4. Turkey
   • President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has consolidated power, curtailed press freedom, and targeted political opponents. His emphasis on nationalism and religious conservatism has drawn comparisons to authoritarian regimes.

Common Themes

• Erosion of Democratic Institutions: Many governments are undermining judicial independence, press freedom, and electoral integrity.
• Nationalism and Xenophobia: Anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies are increasingly common, often scapegoating minorities for societal problems.
• Suppression of Dissent: Crackdowns on protests, NGOs, and opposition parties are becoming more frequent.
• Historical Revisionism: Some regimes are downplaying or glorifying fascist or authoritarian pasts.
• Populist Rhetoric: Leaders often frame themselves as the voice of the “true people” against a corrupt elite, a tactic used by historical fascist movements.

While these examples do not necessarily indicate a return to the vile and destructive 20th-century fascism, they highlight concerning trends towards authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic norms. Vigilance and a commitment to democratic values are essential to counter these developments.

In the UK, while there is no outright fascist movement in power, there are concerns about the rise of far-right and populist tendencies that echo some elements of fascist ideology. One such example is Reform UK, formerly known as the Brexit Party. While Reform UK operates within the democratic framework and does not explicitly advocate fascism, its rhetoric and policies have drawn criticism for aligning with nationalist and populist themes that resonate with far-right ideologies. Here’s how Reform UK fits into the broader discussion:

Reform UK and Far-Right Tendencies in the UK

1. Nationalism and Anti-Immigration Stance
   • Reform UK has capitalised on anti-immigration sentiment, calling for stricter border controls and reduced immigration. This aligns with the nationalist and exclusionary rhetoric often associated with far-right movements.
2. Populist Rhetoric
   • The party positions itself as a voice for the “ordinary people” against a perceived corrupt political elite, a common tactic used by populist and far-right movements to galvanise support.
3. Euroscepticism
   • Reform UK, under its previous incarnation as the Brexit Party, played a significant role in pushing for the UK’s departure from the European Union. While Euroscepticism is not inherently fascist, it has often been a rallying point for nationalist and far-right groups across Europe.
4. Scepticism of Climate Policies
   • Reform UK has been critical of net-zero policies and green initiatives, framing them as economically damaging and out of touch with public needs. This scepticism of global cooperation and environmental policies can align with the isolationist and anti-globalist tendencies seen in far-right movements.
5. Links to Far-Right Figures
   • While Reform UK itself is not a fascist party, some of its supporters and former members have been associated with far-right or extremist groups. This has raised concerns about the party becoming a vehicle for more extreme ideologies.

Broader Far-Right Trends in the UK

• English Defence League (EDL) and Britain First: These groups, though marginalised, have promoted xenophobic and anti-Islam rhetoric, echoing fascist themes of national purity and exclusion.
• Tommy Robinson: A far-right activist whose rhetoric often targets immigrants and Muslims, Robinson has been a polarising figure in UK politics, with some accusing him of fostering division and hatred.
• UKIP (UK Independence Party): While not fascist, UKIP’s emphasis on nationalism, anti-immigration policies, and Euroscepticism has influenced the rise of populist and far-right rhetoric in the UK.

In summary, we should be very concerned at how many people are turning to hate as a solution for the perceived issues constructed for them by the corporate media and beyond. We all know that this always ends in tears and yet we appear eternally doomed to repeat the same mistakes until humanity finally kills itself off.