Italian Fascism in the Nordic Countries (1919–1945)

This Element explores the transnational dynamics of Italian fascism and its reception in the Nordic countries from the foundation of Mussolini's Fasci di Combattimento (Combat Fasces) in 1919 to the onset of the Second World War. Although Italian fascism found fertile ground among far right movements and organisations in the Nordics, reactions varied significantly across Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The Element emphasises the ideological influence of the March on Rome and highlights how the Nordic far right drew inspiration from Mussolini's regime while also adapting to local contexts. By examining the intricate connections between Nordic and Italian fascisms, this Element aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities of fascism's international appeal, illustrating how local political situations shaped the diverse expressions of fascism in the region and the interplay between fascist ideologies and anti-Bolshevism.