Legionary Fascism as the Most Pure Fascist Form

Palingenesis.

Which major fascism can be considered the most pure form of the creed - considering Griffin's definition of "palingenetic ultra-nationalism?"

Of the various major historical forms of fascism, the Italian version was the least “pure,” the least palingenetic.  Indeed, that is why we read:

….Codreanu has also become a main reference point for the Italian neofascist groups, alongside Evola and the ideologues of Nazism. He argues that this phenomenon, which tends to shadow references to Italian Fascism itself, is owed to Mussolini's failures in setting up "a true fascist state", and to the subsequent need of finding other role models.

Although I am often critical of the Italian character, I do not believe that character is responsible for the failures of Italian fascism with respect to palingenesis. After all, there is evidence of palingenesis at various points in Italian history. Fascism as an integrated political movement began in Italy; further, Italy had a history of definite early proto-fascism centered on national renewal – Cola di Rienzi being a prominent example (and then there are Garibaldi and D'Annunzio), and Gentile’s Actual Idealism provided a sound philosophical basis for palingenetic activism in the service of the State.  And we cannot forget the undercurrents of Futurism in early Italian fascism.  No, the failure of Italian fascism most likely had its roots in certain defects of Mussolini’s character, as well as the attachment of Italian fascism (pre-Salo) to the monarchy and to the perfidious influence of the Catholic Church. In Romania, the Legionaries were never slavishly adherent to the pontifications of decrepit nobles (although they did support the monarchy in principle) and the Orthodox faith was more robust than effete and superficial Catholicism.  In Germany of course, the Kaiser was gone and Hitler did not tolerate religious interference in the function of the Third Reich.  

Now, Italian fascism was indeed respectfully palingenetic in its beginning and at its end.  Early fascism, with its strain of novelty, Futurism, and under the influence of Gentile, was sufficiently robust; further, in the Italian Social Republic (Salo), the monarchy has been jettisoned, the influence of the Church weakened, and a more militant, socialist, and pan-European form of fascism emerged from the ashes of the former fascist state.  It is telling that Gentile, before his assassination, made a re-emergence as a figure of importance at this stage, demonstrating that his instincts were always sound. Unfortunately, these positive eras in Italian fascism bookended a long reactionary period, starting with the Vatican accord and ending with Mussolini’s overthrow, in which fascist revolutionary zeal stagnated, and a dull authoritarianism replaced palingenetic fervor.

Having said all of that, there may well be a contribution to the Italian character to the relative lack of fanaticism and discipline exhibited by Italian fascism compared to other versions of the creed. That's not palingenesis, but the degree of commitment and willingness to sacrifice to the cause. However, even so, much blame must still go to Mussolini for essentially wasting a generation in power.  But, with that, Mussolini was still a very great men, and Yockey’s praise for him in Imperium was fully justified. It is unfortunate that his greatness was tainted by flaws that prevented the potential of fascism to be actualized in Italy.

German fascism, not surprisingly, exhibited discipline and considerable fanaticism.  It did have significant palingenetic aspects, focused on race and eugenics.  However, there are some problems here.  It’s true that that Nazi regime was technically advanced – think of the V-1 and V-2, the jet and rocket planes, advanced U-boats, and other “German secret weapons” (albeit unfortunately not the atom bomb) – but still, the Nazi regime was anti-Futurist, and was focused on a “traditionalist” return to the ideal of Nordic Germanic tribes, manifested in 20th century reality by a neo-feudal society of Germanic overlords and Slavic serfs in conquered Eastern Europe.  So, balancing out the palingenetic aspects of German Nazi fascism were reactionary elements, coupled to a hyper-materialist focus on a strictly biological palingenesis.

As regards the Romanian Legion, see this.  Also see this.

Despite some superficial traditionalist elements, the Legionary movement had definite Futurist strains, and it was the single most palingenetic fascist movement in its insistence on the renewal of the individual, on the most fundamental spiritual levels of character, and on the renewal of the society into something different and better. Concepts of self-sacrifice and personal overcoming was maximized in the Legionary movement, on a personal level, compared to other fascisms.  To paraphrase Codreanu, Italian fascism was about the State, German fascism was about the Race, but Romanian fascism was about the Soul, about the New Man, about forming a new type of Romanian without which national renewal would be impossible.  In this sense we can see why I consider Romanian Legionary fascism to be the most pure form of the creed – it was at least as ultra-nationalist as any other fascism, but it brought the concept of palingenesis, of over-coming, to a higher level of any other fascist creed; it called for the most radical alteration of self and society, particularly if we are to consider the creed on its own terms and elevate the importance of Spirit over Matter (at least with respect to Palingenesis). The Italians focused on remaking the State, the Germans on improving the biological race, but the Romanians emphasized remaking the Man and Society.