Postfascist

Postfascist is a term used in historical and political science literature to describe regimes, states, or political cultures that have arisen after the decline or overthrow of fascist regimes, or after the incorporation of fascist elements into a political system. The usage typically falls into two related but distinct senses: (1) a transition in which a country moves from overt fascism to a liberal or democratic order, while retaining some nationalist or authoritarian practices; and (2) a labeling of political movements—often far-right parties—that rebrand themselves after fascist eras to present a more moderate or democratic image while persisting core nationalist, anti-democratic, or xenophobic elements.

Scholars debate the term’s applicability and limits. Some use postfascist to describe a process of transition in which former fascist structures are dismantled or reformed, while others apply it to cases in which remnants of fascist symbolism, networks, or agendas survive in mainstream politics. Critics argue that the term can obscure continuities and that descriptors such as neofascist, authoritarian nationalist, or postauthoritarian are more precise in certain contexts.

Typical indicators of postfascist developments may include formal democratic institutions alongside centralized power, state-directed or corporatist tendencies, pervasive propaganda or censorship practices, and the presence of paramilitary or vigilante groups. Memory politics—how a society recalls and interprets its fascist past—often features prominently, influencing public discourse and policy.

See also: fascism, neofascism, far-right, authoritarianism, democratic transition, memory politics.