Fascism Today: Russia, Geopolitics & Peace

Concerns are growing over the potential resurgence of fascist ideologies in Russia, with analysts pointing to a shift in rhetoric and policy under Vladimir Putin. While direct comparisons to 20th-century fascism are complex, experts suggest a new form of authoritarianism is taking hold, fueled by nationalist sentiment and a rejection of Western values.

Putinism and the Evolution of Fascism

Ilya Budraitskis, a Russian theorist and socialist opposition activist, argues that Putinism represents a “new form of fascism.” This assessment comes in the wake of Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which Budraitskis views as part of a broader challenge to the existing global order. According to Budraitskis, Putin’s rationale echoes classic imperialist ideology, asserting that international relations should be governed by the rule of the strongest.

His challenge to the West, boiled down to exposing US “hypocrisy.” Why is it allowed to do what others are not allowed to do? What was previously the preserve of US imperialism, according to Putin, must now become the only recognized law of international politics.

Ilya Budraitskis

Budraitskis highlights Putin’s criticism of US military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan, but emphasizes that the core issue is not disagreement with interventionism itself, but rather with the US claiming exclusive rights to such actions. Putin, in this view, seeks to establish a world where any powerful state can legitimately pursue its imperial ambitions.

Domestic Trends and the Rise of Illiberalism

The Moscow Times reported in May 2024 that Russia appears to have “lost its battle for democracy,” and is increasingly embracing isolation from the West. This shift is characterized by extensive censorship, propaganda, and the suppression of dissenting voices, even to the point of murder. The recent presidential inauguration of Vladimir Putin, following elections marred by widespread anomalies and allegations of fraud, signals a continuation of this trend.

Elena Davlikanova, writing for The Moscow Times, notes that Russia now openly proclaims its willingness to advance further into Europe, accompanied by nuclear blackmailing tactics targeting Britain and France for their support of Ukraine. This aggressive posture, Davlikanova argues, reflects a rejection of the principles of peace and international cooperation.

While Europe solemnly vows that the horrors of war should never happen again, Russia is proclaiming that they can advance across Europe once more.

Elena Davlikanova, The Moscow Times

Memory Politics and the “Antifascist” Narrative

Russia frequently invokes an “antifascist” narrative, particularly in relation to Ukraine, but critics argue this is a pretext for aggression and internal repression. An article published by the Institute for Contemporary History (IWM) points out that Russia’s “antifascism” serves both internal and external purposes, justifying its actions abroad while simultaneously suppressing opposition at home.

This manipulation of historical memory allows the Kremlin to present its actions as a defense against a perceived fascist threat, while simultaneously consolidating its own authoritarian control. The article suggests that this narrative is a key component of the ideological justification for Russia’s current political trajectory.

The Broader Context of Far-Right Sentiment

While the situation in Russia is unique, it exists within a broader global context of rising far-right sentiment. Daniel Trilling, writing in The Guardian in April 2026, notes a resurgence of rhetoric reminiscent of fascist ideologies, albeit without the same organizational structure of mass political parties seen in the 20th century. Statements from figures like Suella Braverman, Tommy Robinson, Matthew Goodwin, and Nigel Farage demonstrate a growing discourse centered on anxieties about national identity, immigration, and cultural change.

“The Britain that I love is being ripped apart by diversity, equality and inclusion.”

Suella Braverman, former home secretary, February 2026

“It’s not just Britain that is being invaded, it’s not just Britain that is being raped. Every single western nation faces the same problem: an orchestrated, organised invasion and replacement of European citizens is happening.”

Tommy Robinson, far-right influencer, September 2025

These statements, alongside warnings of impending civil war and appeals to traditional values, reflect a broader trend of nationalist and populist sentiment that is challenging established political norms across the West. While not necessarily equivalent to classical fascism, this trend poses a significant threat to democratic institutions and social cohesion.