Fascism and Economic Crisis

Organization of Territory into States

• A state is a political and administrative unit that governs a territory and its inhabitants.
• Key elements of a state include territory, citizens, government, and institutions like the military.
• Functions of a state include regulating the economy and work, guaranteeing national security, providing basic services, and establishing international relations.
• Failed states are those that cannot perform their functions normally due to reasons like terrorism, violence, or delinquency, leading to a significant portion of their population emigrating.
• Approximately 40 states worldwide are considered failed states, such as Somalia, Afghanistan, and Yemen.

The Genesis of Modern States: Decolonization

• The decolonization process was a result of the weakness of metropolitan powers after World War II.
• Other factors contributing to decolonization include the recruitment of indigenous soldiers who gained military training, nationalist movements led by local elites, and support from the UN, the US, and the USSR.
• The decolonization process occurred in three phases: 1945-1959 (Asian and some African countries), 1960-1970 (most African countries, the last Arab countries, and some Asian countries), and 1971-present (the last African colonies and some territories like Macao and East Timor).

Political Systems

• Democracy is a form of government where power rests with citizens, who elect their representatives.
• In democratic countries, there is a separation of powers: legislative, executive, and judicial.
• Types of states include:
  • Monarchy: a king or queen with hereditary power.
  • Republic: a president or elected representative holds power.
  • Decentralized state: regions have some power.
  • Centralized state: institutions are controlled by the central government.

Living in a Dictatorship

• In a dictatorship, one person or group controls all power, often through violent means.
• Dictatorships can be monarchical or republican, and often lack freedom, disregard human rights, and use repression.
• Some countries have hybrid systems, combining democratic and dictatorial elements.

Democracy and Dictatorship in Recent European History

• The 1929 stock market crash led to widespread unemployment, poverty, and political changes.
• The economic crisis led to the rise of communist and fascist parties.
• Fascist Italy under Mussolini was characterized by opposition to democracy and communism, a party-based government, control of the media and economy, and exaltation of national and military values.
• Nazi Germany under Hitler was characterized by racism, anti-Semitism, and a theory of "living space" that led to the conquest of other territories.

Conflict and Human Rights

• Conflicts can arise within or between states due to reasons like resource control, territorial disputes, or ethnic differences.
• The UN often intervenes to prevent or resolve conflicts peacefully.
• The most conflict-prone regions are Africa and South Asia.
• Terrorist groups use violence to create fear and achieve their objectives, often internationalizing internal conflicts.