Fascism as Political Narcissism: A Therapeutic Perspective on Its Impact on Citizens

Fascism, a political ideology characterized by authoritarian nationalism, suppression of dissent, and centralized power, has been a subject of intense analysis for decades. While much has been written about its structural and historical dimensions, examining fascism through a psychological lens—specifically as a manifestation of political narcissism—offers unique insights into how it operates and affects the well-being of individuals and societies. From a therapeutic perspective, the interplay between a fascist regime’s narcissistic tendencies and the psychological health of its citizens reveals patterns of manipulation, trauma, and resilience.

Fascism and Narcissistic Traits

At its core, narcissism involves an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. In the context of fascism, these traits manifest not in individuals but in the collective behavior and rhetoric of the regime. Political narcissism arises when a regime positions itself as the ultimate authority, demanding unwavering loyalty, and glorifying its image to mask deeper insecurities or vulnerabilities within its structure.

The Cult of Personality

Leaders in fascist regimes often embody political narcissism through their cult of personality. They present themselves as saviors, uniquely capable of restoring the nation to a mythical past greatness. This self-aggrandizement mirrors the grandiosity seen in narcissistic individuals, where any dissent or criticism is not just a challenge to their authority but a personal affront.

Projection and Scapegoating

Fascist regimes often project their flaws onto perceived “others,” using scapegoating to unite their base and distract from internal failings. Ethnic, religious, or ideological minorities are frequently blamed for societal problems, a tactic that consolidates power by redirecting public frustrations. This mirrors the narcissistic defense mechanism of projecting insecurities onto others to protect the fragile ego.

Control Through Fear and Dependence

Fascism thrives on creating a climate of fear and dependence. By amplifying existential threats—whether real or imagined—leaders position themselves as the sole protectors, fostering dependency and ensuring compliance. This dynamic mimics the narcissistic need to control others to maintain a sense of superiority.

Impact on Citizens: The Psychological Toll

From a therapeutic standpoint, living under a fascist regime can have profound and lasting effects on the psychological health of its citizens. The societal environment shaped by political narcissism can mirror the dynamics seen in abusive interpersonal relationships, creating widespread trauma, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion.

1. Trauma Through Gaslighting

Fascist regimes frequently employ gaslighting, distorting reality to manipulate perceptions and control narratives. Official propaganda may rewrite history, dismiss verifiable truths, or label dissenters as delusional or unpatriotic. For citizens, this creates a disorienting sense of instability, where distinguishing truth from fiction becomes a daily challenge.

Therapeutic Insight: Victims of gaslighting often experience chronic self-doubt, confusion, and anxiety. In the context of fascism, citizens may internalize these feelings, questioning their judgment and losing trust in their ability to navigate reality.

2. Erosion of Autonomy and Identity

Fascist regimes often demand conformity, suppressing individuality and dissent. Citizens are pressured to align their identities with the regime’s ideals, abandoning personal values and beliefs. Over time, this can lead to a loss of self-worth and autonomy.

Therapeutic Insight: From a therapeutic perspective, this parallels the experience of individuals in abusive relationships who are coerced into suppressing their authentic selves to appease their abuser. Recovery often involves reclaiming autonomy and rebuilding a sense of self separate from external pressures.

3. Collective Trauma and Hypervigilance

The pervasive atmosphere of fear in fascist societies—through surveillance, persecution, or the threat of violence—induces collective trauma. Citizens may develop hypervigilance, constantly scanning for threats and suppressing their emotions to avoid drawing attention.

Therapeutic Insight: Such hypervigilance is common among survivors of trauma and can result in long-term mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fascist societies, entire communities may carry this burden, perpetuating cycles of fear and silence.

4. Breakdown of Social Trust

Fascism undermines social trust by encouraging suspicion and division. Neighbors may inform one another, and even family members can become sources of betrayal. This fractures communities, isolating individuals from support networks and reinforcing dependence on the regime.

Therapeutic Insight: Isolation is a key factor in mental health decline. Without social trust and community bonds, individuals are more vulnerable to depression, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness.

Coping Mechanisms and Resilience

Despite the oppressive conditions fostered by fascist regimes, individuals and communities often demonstrate remarkable resilience. From a therapeutic standpoint, exploring these coping mechanisms can provide insight into how people survive and even resist authoritarianism.

1. Cultivating Inner Strength

Mindfulness, self-reflection, and other therapeutic techniques can help individuals maintain a sense of self amid external chaos. By focusing on what they can control, citizens can develop resilience and preserve their mental well-being.

Therapeutic Application: Encouraging individuals to build internal coping strategies, such as journaling or practicing mindfulness, can provide a psychological anchor in uncertain times.

2. Building Underground Support Networks

Under fascist regimes, underground networks often emerged as sources of solidarity and resistance. These networks provided emotional support, shared resources, and facilitated a sense of community.

Therapeutic Application: Therapists working with individuals from oppressive societies may encourage participation in safe support groups, where shared experiences can reduce isolation and promote healing.

3. Finding Meaning Through Resistance

No matter how small, acts of resistance can provide a sense of agency and purpose. For some, this might mean sharing the truth, preserving cultural traditions, or simply surviving as an act of defiance.

Therapeutic Application: Helping individuals connect with their values and identify meaningful actions, even within restrictive environments, can foster empowerment and hope.

Healing After Fascism

The psychological scars left by fascism can persist long after a regime falls. From a therapeutic perspective, addressing these wounds requires both individual and collective healing.

1. Processing Trauma

Victims of fascist regimes often carry unprocessed trauma. Therapy can provide a space to explore these experiences, validate emotions, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Therapeutic Insight: Trauma-informed care, which prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment, is essential in supporting individuals recovering from the psychological impacts of fascism.

2. Rebuilding Social Trust

Post-fascist societies must work to rebuild social trust, fostering environments where individuals feel safe and supported. This involves addressing systemic injustices and holding perpetrators accountable.

Therapeutic Insight: Community-based interventions, such as restorative justice practices, can help repair fractured relationships and promote collective healing.

3. Reclaiming Autonomy and Identity

For many, the end of a fascist regime marks the beginning of a journey to rediscover personal identity and autonomy.

Therapeutic Insight: Therapists can support this process by helping individuals explore their values, set goals, and reconnect with their authentic selves.

Conclusion

Viewing fascism as political narcissism reveals its manipulative and destructive nature, both structurally and psychologically. From gaslighting and the erosion of social trust to the cultivation of fear and dependence, the parallels between fascist regimes and abusive relationships are stark. Yet, even in the face of such oppression, individuals and communities demonstrate resilience, finding ways to survive, resist, and heal.

From a therapeutic perspective, the journey toward healing requires acknowledging the deep psychological wounds inflicted by fascism, fostering resilience, and rebuilding trust. By examining these dynamics, we can better understand the human cost of authoritarianism and develop strategies to support those who endure its weight, ultimately working toward a world where such trauma becomes a relic of the past.