Fascism - few terms represent unfreedom and mass murder as strongly, and few words are used so inflationarily as a battle term across political divides. In the discussions of today and yesterday, this book seeks inspiration for a present where the threat from the far right is once again increasing, not only in Europe. This introductory book provides an overview of the most relevant fascism theories. It examines the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and the context of their emergence. There is considerable focus on the new fascism theories of recent decades, which are still not widely discussed in Germany. It also addresses some hotly contested historical and current topics, such as the relationship between National Socialism and fascism, today's extreme right, and religious fundamentalist movements.