RESURGENCE OF UNCANNY NEW FASCISM
In the 21st century, the shadow of fascism seems to have reemerged, not as a terrifying monster of the past but as a shape-shifting force that haunts the corridors of contemporary politics. The “uncanny return of fascism” is not the revival of militarized totalitarian states or the overt brutality of the 1930s but a more insidious formâone that wears the mask of new fascism, appeals to nationalism and undermines democratic norms under the guise of reform. This return is unsettling because it is not an outright re-emergence of fascist regimes but rather the adaptation of fascist tactics to modern political realities.
From Brazilâs Jair Bolsonaro to Hungaryâs Viktor OrbĂĄn and Turkeyâs Recep Tayyip ErdoÄan, the world has witnessed how right-wing new fascistsâsome with more authoritarian tendencies than othersâhave co-opted the language and strategies of fascism. These figures have found power in democratic frameworks, only to erode the systems that put them in office. What makes this return so uncanny is its ability to disguise itself as an organic, democratic movement while quietly laying the groundwork for authoritarian rule.
This is more apparent in Pakistan, where Imran Khanâs meteoric rise from cricket legend to political icon reflects the promise of a new political era and the dangers of its authoritarian undertones. Khanâs politics embody a paradox: he presents himself as a crusader for justice and reforms, yet his methods and rhetoric increasingly mirror the darker corners of the new fascist playbookâone that has the potential to dismantle the fragile democratic institutions Pakistan has fought to build. His appeal lies in a promise of reform, a break from Pakistan’s deeply entrenched political elites. Yet, alongside this narrative of transformation, Khan has embraced an increasingly authoritarian style of governanceâone that harks back to the tactics and symbols of fascism without ever fully adopting its traditional forms.
At the core of Khanâs politics is the promise of a “Naya Pakistan,” a vision of national revival that has captivated millions. His supporters, disillusioned by years of corruption and mismanagement by the traditional political parties, see him as a figure of hope who will break the old political structures and restore Pakistan to its former glory. His rhetoric is peppered with calls for justice, accountability, and the dismantling of corrupt dynasties. Yet, beneath these lofty promises lurks a more troubling undercurrent: an exclusionary narrative that frames political opposition not just as ideological rivals but as enemies of the state, a hallmark of fascist regimes past.
Fascism, in its historical form, relied on an “us vs. them” mentality, where the nationâs supposed moral purity was threatened by internal enemiesâthose who didnât conform to the prescribed norms. Khanâs new fascist rhetoric, with its sharp divisions between the “honest” masses and the “corrupt” elites, echoes this divisiveness. However, today’s difference is how these divisions are manipulated in the digital age. The vitriol that defines modern politics is not confined to public speeches or print media; it has spilt into social media, where Khanâs supportersâarmed with coordinated troll armiesâharass critics and label them as traitors. In this digital age, the battle for ideological purity becomes a constant, 24/7 confrontation in the court of public opinion.
Khanâs public rallies are another significant feature of his brand of new fascism, one that channels the theatrical flair often associated with authoritarian regimes. His mass gatherings are carefully choreographed spectacles, where the leader is not merely a politician but a charismatic figure who embodies the people’s hopes and dreams. The emotional highs that come with these performances are potent tools in cultivating a cult of personality, where Khan positions himself as the sole solution to Pakistanâs woes.
In these moments of spectacle, the true nature of Khan’s political style becomes evident. Much like the fascist movements of the early 20th century, Khanâs approach blurs the lines between leader and state, making it difficult to distinguish where one ends and the other begins. His “moral revivalism” rhetoric conjures visions of a nationalistic utopia but often veers into authoritarian territory. Opposition parties are dismissed as agents of chaos, while anyone who challenges Khanâs narrative risks being labelled a traitor. The political space becomes polarized, not by differences in policy but by an existential struggle for national purity.
The digital age, of course, has given Khan a potent weapon in his political arsenal. While social media, in principle, democratizes political discourse, it also amplifies division and fosters a toxic environment where political debate is reduced to personal attacks and ideological warfare. Khanâs online presence is meticulously crafted, with every tweet and post designed to engage his followers and discredit his opponents.
Perhaps the most telling aspect of Khanâs politics is his complex relationship with Pakistan’s military. Initially, Khanâs rise was seen as a kind of civilian counterpart to the militaryâs influence. This figure could navigate the corridors of power while ostensibly challenging the entrenched political elites. However, his recent fallout with the military has exposed the precarious nature of new fascist alliances, particularly when the interests begin to diverge. Khanâs dramatic shift from an ally of the establishment to a fierce critic of its corrupting influence mirrors a central characteristic of authoritarian new fascism: the ability to reinvent oneself as a “man of the people” whenever it suits political needs.
This evolution reflects a more profound truth: new fascist movements often thrive on instability and power vacuums. When Khan was ousted from power in 2022, he pivoted to anti-establishment rhetoric, presenting himself as the champion of democracy in the face of a “deep state.” He has retained a loyal base of supporters, many of whom view his political struggles as emblematic of a broader fight for Pakistanâs soul.
Imran Khanâs political journey is not a simple story of heroism or villainy. His politics are a complex, ever-shifting blend of new fascism, authoritarianism, and opportunism, made all the more potent by the digital tools that amplify his message. What makes his rise so unsettling is not his alignment with traditional fascism but the uncanny way in which he has repurposed its tactics for the modern age. Khanâs new fascist charisma, his strategic use of exclusionary rhetoric, and his willingness to erode democratic institutions all point to a return of politics that is not merely a historical echo but a contemporary evolutionâa disturbing glimpse into the future of authoritarian politics in a world increasingly dominated by social media, spectacle, and the cult of personality.
