Five Things We Can We Do To Stop Fascism

The rise of far-right authoritarianism around the world can feel overwhelming. And we’re seeing it here in Australia. Every day seems to bring another attack on democratic institutions, another culture war, another outrage designed to make us angry, frightened or exhausted. It is easy to feel powerless. Easy to believe that nothing we do matters.

History suggests otherwise.

One of the most important lessons from the history of fascism is that democracies are rarely destroyed overnight. They are weakened gradually. Trust erodes. Institutions are undermined. Citizens become divided, cynical and disengaged. People retreat into tribes and begin to see each other not as neighbours but as enemies.

The good news is that the reverse is also true. Democracy strengthens gradually. Through countless acts of participation, solidarity, courage and community. So what can we do?

First, get involved. Authoritarian movements thrive when people feel isolated and disconnected. The antidote is community. Join something. A conservation group. A sporting club. A union. A faith community. A local campaign. A volunteer organisation. A community garden. A Landcare group. Democracy isn’t defended by superheroes. It’s defended by ordinary people working together.

Second, defend institutions before they’re in crisis. Independent courts, professional public services, universities, journalists, scientists and electoral commissions are not perfect. Far from it. But they are essential guardrails against arbitrary power. Once those institutions are broken, rebuilding them is much harder than defending them in the first place.

Third, offer hope. People rarely abandon authoritarian politics because they lose an argument online. More often, they leave when they encounter a better story. One that offers belonging, dignity, purpose and a vision of a better future. If we want people to choose democracy, then democracy must be seen as capable of delivering security, fairness and opportunity.

Fourth, refuse distraction. Many of the loudest culture wars are designed to divide us and keep us fighting amongst ourselves. Just think of the latest things Gina Rhinehart and Pauline Hanson have said. While we argue over these symbolic issues, the real challenges continue to grow: climate change, housing affordability, inequality, biodiversity loss, declining trust and the cost of living. We shouldn't allow ourselves to be permanently distracted from the issues that actually shape our future.

Fifth, and perhaps most importantly, it's important to resist fascism without becoming like it. Nonviolence must mean more than simply avoiding physical violence. It also means refusing the politics of hatred, humiliation and contempt. Fascism feeds on enemies. It thrives on outrage, punishment and the hate and dehumanisation of others. It needs people to blame.

Those of us who oppose authoritarianism should be careful not to adopt the same habits.

That doesn’t mean being passive. It doesn't mean remaining silent. It doesn't mean tolerating injustice. It means being firm without being cruel. Brave without being hateful. Passionate without being contemptuous. Organised without becoming a mob.

Many people who care deeply about climate change, social justice and democracy are turned away by movements that seem permanently angry, judgmental or eager to shame and cancel others. If our actions make ordinary people feel judged before they feel welcomed, we risk pushing away very people we need to bring along.

The opposite of fascism isn’t rage. The opposite of fascism is democracy and community. And that isn’t built through fear, hate and cancel culture. It is built through participation, solidarity, respect, courage and hope.

Fascism wants us frightened, divided, distracted and exhausted. Our task is to become brave, connected, focused and organised. That work starts with each of us.

Holding back fascism is about choosing community, courage and hope.