Aurora de Vega Alforte*
This paper provides a comparative analysis of social democracy and Fascism, examining their ideological foundations, similarities, and differences. It explores the compatibility of these ideologies and their respective strengths and weaknesses, assessing their contemporary relevance. Social democracy is characterized by its commitment to democratic stability, universal basic rights, and social inclusiveness, whereas Fascism is defined by authoritarian nationalism and centralized autocratic control. Despite some superficial similarities, such as their focus on economic development and political influence, the two ideologies are fundamentally opposed. Fascism’s historical association with extreme nationalism and genocidal racism contrasts sharply with social democracy’s focus on liberty, equality, and social welfare. The paper concludes that social democracy is more compelling than Fascism due to its adherence to democratic principles and human rights, while Fascism’s legacy of totalitarianism and oppression renders it less persuasive in contemporary contexts.
Published Date: 2025-01-24; Received Date: 2024-08-13
