Disillusionment & Division: How Crisis Fuels Authoritarianism
Why Some Turn to Fascism While Others Choose Community
A Drive, A Conversation, and a Political Divide
The other day, I was in the car with my realtor—a friend of 20 years now—and, as conversations often do these days, it turned to politics. The provincial election in Ontario had taken place the day before, and once again, we had elected a majority Conservative government with only 43% of the popular vote.
I listened as my friend spoke about his lack of faith in the system and his belief that all political parties are corrupt. This is someone who is not only my realtor but also a first responder, with a wife who is a nurse. He has always voted NDP—until now. In this election, he cast his vote for the New Blue Party, a far-right alternative that sits on the opposite end of the political spectrum from the NDP.
His reason for this abrupt change? He simply didn’t want to support any of the three major parties, believing them all to be corrupt. As we spoke, he began repeating common right-wing propaganda—blaming Trudeau for everything wrong in Canada and condemning Jagmeet Singh for supposedly propping up the Liberal government just to secure his pension.
Challenging the Narrative
My friend listened when I challenged some of these conservative sound bites. He had no real answer when I asked why Singh would be any more concerned about his pension than any other MP—after all, everyone in Parliament receives one. Why single him out? Especially considering Singh is a lawyer who could likely earn far more practicing law than as an MP.
I reminded him that, as history shows, NDP minority governments often push for progressive policies. Singh’s agreement with the Liberals had led to real gains: pharmacare, dental care, a Just Transition to a Green Economy, Indigenous reconciliation, and anti-scab legislation. At one point, I’m sure my friend would have seen these as victories. But now, he was simply disillusioned and angry.
The Post-Pandemic Shift in Society
As we continued our drive, the conversation turned to something else: how people still aren’t okay after COVID. Both of us admitted that we now preferred staying in, avoiding crowds, and enjoying quiet time at home or in our gardens. The reason we were even in the car together was because I’m looking for a place further from the GTA—somewhere quieter, less crowded.
I shared my thoughts on community, how people desperately need connection yet simultaneously resist leaving their homes. He agreed. And I found myself wondering: how is it that two people who once shared the same values—who still share similar perspectives on many things—are now responding to the world in such vastly different ways?
Why was he reacting with anger, aligning himself with a party whose values contradict his own? Why was he lashing out instead of recognizing that the entire world suffered through the pandemic and that we are, slowly, making progress toward recovery?
The Historical Cycle of Crisis and Authoritarianism
The more I thought about it, the more I considered that this isn’t new. History has shown us a pattern: pandemics and major crises lead to social and economic instability, which in turn creates fertile ground for the rise of authoritarianism and fascism.
Dissatisfaction, fear, and economic hardship often lead people to seek strong, decisive leadership—sometimes at the cost of democratic freedoms. But why do some turn to authoritarianism while others lean into community and resistance?
Why Some People Turn to Fascism
1. Psychological Factors: Fear & the Need for Control
🔹 Fear & Uncertainty → Authoritarianism
Pandemics create chaos, and many crave certainty and order in response. Authoritarian leaders provide simple answers and scapegoats—immigrants, elites, the media—which feels comforting to those overwhelmed by complexity.
🔹 Personality Traits & Cognitive Styles
Research shows that people with a high need for order and low tolerance for ambiguity are more likely to embrace authoritarianism. Those with high empathy and openness to new experiences are more likely to embrace collective solutions.
🔹 Trauma & Disillusionment
People who feel deeply betrayed by institutions (government, media, healthcare) may react with rage, looking for strong leaders who claim to “fix” the system. Others channel their frustration into activism, community-building, or creativity, turning trauma into constructive change.
2. Social Factors: Group Identity & Polarization
🔹 Tribalism & “Us vs. Them” Thinking
Fascism thrives on division—turning personal suffering into hatred toward an enemy (immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, intellectuals, etc.). Right-wing media and social circles reinforce these beliefs, while progressive communities resist them.
🔹 Collective vs. Individualistic Societies
Countries with strong social safety nets and community values (e.g., New Zealand, Finland) foster solidarity. In contrast, deeply individualistic societies (e.g., the U.S.) saw more anti-lockdown protests, conspiracy movements, and authoritarian shifts.
3. Economic Factors: Desperation & Inequality
🔹 Economic Instability → Rise of Fascism
Post-pandemic economic crises leave people jobless, broke, and desperate—conditions historically linked to fascist movements (Germany post-1918, Italy post-WWI). People who see no future in the current system may turn to nationalist, exclusionary politics.
🔹 Who Benefits from Authoritarianism?
Elites and corporations often push right-wing authoritarianism to protect their wealth and power (e.g., funding anti-democracy movements). Others recognize that fascism harms the working class and instead fight for economic justice.
4. Historical Factors: The Lessons (or Lack Thereof) of the Past
🔹 Who Controls the Narrative?
Countries that teach history honestly (e.g., Germany’s education on Nazi crimes) have lower far-right resurgence. Nations that whitewash the past (e.g., the U.S. downplaying white supremacy) see stronger fascist movements post-crisis.
🔹 Collective Memory vs. Amnesia
Those who remember the consequences of authoritarianism (WWII, dictatorship, McCarthyism) resist it today. Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
Why Some People Choose Resistance Instead
Despite these pressures, many reject fascism and fight for justice instead. Here’s why:
✅ They have strong community ties – Connection reduces fear and isolation.
✅ They recognize oppression’s warning signs – Marginalized groups often see fascism rising before others do.
✅ They value diversity and critical thinking – Education and creative expression counter propaganda.
✅ They believe in change – Real alternatives (unions, mutual aid, progressive policies) inspire action.
A Final Thought: Privilege and Fear of Uncertainty
When I consider all of this, I wonder if my friend’s reaction stems from the fact that, as a straight, cisgender white man, this is the first time he has lived in a world that feels truly uncertain.
Marginalized communities have long experienced systemic oppression, economic hardship, and instability. For them, an unpredictable world is nothing new. But for those who have historically benefited from stability and privilege, this uncertainty can feel unbearable—making authoritarianism an appealing refuge.
What Can We Do?
Understanding these patterns helps us counter fascism before it takes root:
🌱 Build strong communities to reduce fear and isolation.
🎨 Use art & creativity to tell compelling counter-narratives.
📚 Teach history honestly so new generations recognize the warning signs.
🤝 Offer real economic solutions so people don’t turn to authoritarians in desperation.
We are at a crossroads. The question is, which path will we choose?