The ISMs

Doctrines, Theories, Systems, & Philosophies

Fascism

Core Hallmarks of Fascism

Based on frameworks by academics such as Umberto Eco, Robert Paxton, and Timothy Snyder, the following are frequently cited indicators:

- Palingenetic Ultranationalism: The myth of national rebirth, where a leader promises to restore a country to a "glorious past" that has supposedly been corrupted or stolen.
- Cult of Personality: Unquestioning obedience to a single charismatic leader who claims only they can fix the nation's problems.
- Identification of Scapegoats: Unifying a base by directing anger toward specific groups—such as immigrants, racial or religious minorities, and "liberal elites"—who are blamed for national decline.
- Disdain for Democratic Institutions: Undermining the rule of law, independent media, and the validity of elections to consolidate power.
- Glorification of Violence: Viewing physical force or militarism as a legitimate tool for political change and national rejuvenation.
- Anti-Intellectualism: Hostility toward universities, science, and critical thinking, often portraying them as tools of a corrupt establishment.

Contemporary Perspectives in America

Recent scholarly and political discourse has increasingly applied these labels to specific movements and events in the U.S.:

The "14 Characteristics": Often attributed to Lawrence Britt, this list (including things like "rampant sexism" and "obsession with national security") frequently circulates in American political commentary as a warning sign.
Authoritarian Tactics: Observers have noted tactics like "flooding the zone" with disinformation to overwhelm public resistance and the use of the justice system to target political opponents.
Institutional Concerns: While some warn that the U.S. is entering a "legal phase" of fascism, others argue that America's decentralized government and independent courts provide strong bulwarks against it.

Jan 9, 2026 Video Summary: Understanding Fascism & Its Threat | Heather Cox Richardson

Heather Cox Richardson

It’s Time to Talk About Fascism | Explainer

Christian Nationalism

Christian Nationalism is the dangerous ideology and political movement that America is – and must remain – a Christian nation created for white Christians. This nationalistic position excludes millions of progressive and moderate Christians as well as non-Christians and the nonreligious.
This dangerous ideology denies the Constitutional separation of church and state and opposes equality for Black and Brown people, women, LGBTQ+ people, religious minorities, and the nonreligious. At its core, white Christian Nationalism seeks to preserve traditional white, straight, male Christian power structures and roll back any progress toward a more inclusive democracy.

Core Beliefs

Tear down the wall between church and state.
“Christianize” public schools and government institutions.
Roll back women’s rights.
Strip LGBTQ+ people of basic freedoms.
Create a theocratic state.
Rewrite American history and values to favor fundamentalist Christianity.
Codify Christian privilege into law.
Legally disfavor the nonreligious, non-Christians, and marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals.

Why It Matters

Freedom and Equality: Christian Nationalism privileges a small group and denies America’s promise of freedom without favor and equality without exception.
Progress and Resistance: As America’s leadership grows more diverse, marginalized voices are gaining power and pushing back against white supremacy and Christian Nationalism.
Protecting Religious Freedom: The separation of church and state is essential to preserving equality, protecting marginalized communities, and ensuring freedom for people of all beliefs.

The Shadow Network

The Shadow Network is a lot like a predatory fungus. It grows and strengthens unseen while attacking church-state separation. And LGBTQ+ rights. And abortion rights. And public education. And democracy. This hidden network of Christian Nationalist billionaires and politicians has been called the Religious Right, the Moral Majority and the authors of Project 2025. Regardless of what we call it, the Shadow Network has been covertly weakening the foundation of our democracy for generations.

While the general public may be aware of how members of the network oppose abortion, marriage equality and secular public schools, often overlooked is how these issues fit into the Shadow Network’s larger mission: to make America a Christian nation that imposes narrow beliefs on everyone.

For further information on the Shadow Network in the current adminstration:

https://www.au.org/the-shadow-network/#_agents

Russ Vought: Director of Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

Pete Hegseth: Secretary of Defense

Peter Navarro: Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing

John Ratcliffe: CIA Director

Steven Gill Bradbury: Deputy Secretary of Transportation

Stephen Miller: White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy

Karoline Leavitt: White House Press Secretary

Linda McMahon: Secretary of Education