Fascism, Marxism and Some Considerations Concerning Classification

For much of the twentieth century, commentators have sought to distinguish fascist from Marxist systems by identifying the former as of the 'Right', and the latter as of the 'Left'. In fact, all the criterial properties identified as Right overlap with those of the Left. Both systems display anti-rationalist and violent dispositions as well as similar economic and control regimens. Because both inflicted massive violence on their respective subjects, they share those features that are characteristically identified exclusively with fascism. Because of the pervasive similarities, the term 'totalitarianism' was early suggested to cover both Marxist and fascist regimes - and seems more appropriate than any alternative.