1) Nazi Germany

Arguably the best at Fascism, Nazi Germany takes the spotlight in #1. Hitler rose to power during the 1920s and 30s, seizing control and passing anti-Jew and immigrant laws, legitimising antisemitism, racism, and eugenics. Nazi Germany went on an imperial conquest, spreading the German Empire across Europe, bringing with it propaganda, oppression, and racial extermination. As the most well-known Fascists, no one does it better than the Nazis.

2) Mussolini Italy

The cradle of fascism, where it all began. Mussolini, who was the well-known dictator of Fascist Italy, was propagandized as the saviour of Italy. He nursed his vision of a totalitarian government with promises of security, social welfare, and homophobia. Italy joined forces with Hitler and was one of the core components of the Axis Powers; surrendering when they couldn’t handle the heat of the Allies.

3) Imperial Japan

Far removed from Anime and kawaii Cat-girl maids, Japan was once a land of imperialist, far right ideology, militarism and political oppression. Japan joined the Axis Powers in WW2, and are well known for inhumane POW work camps, as well as Unit 731, a research station which engaged in lethal human experiences.

4) Estado Novo era Portugal

An outlier on the list, Salazar, the Dictator or Portugal distanced himself from the Nazis, remaining neutral in WW2. It is still widely debated whether his regime was strictly Fascist, however, he still ran a one-party state, relying on secret police to censor and oppress his political opponents, as well as supporting Nationalist Spain.

5) “Papa Doc” era Haiti

In 1957 ‘Papa Doc’ Duvalier was voted into presidency of ex-slave colony Haiti, by intimidating, assaulting and killing his political opponents. Random violence, political terrorism, and a cult of personality defined his reign. “Papa Doc” proclaimed himself ‘president for life,’ and throughout his lifetime he ordered massacres of rebels and civilians indiscriminately and crushed anyone who resisted his rule. Even tropical paradises aren’t safe from fascism.