The term fascism refers to a political ideology and system of governance that emerged in Italy in the early 20th century. It is characterized by authoritarianism, nationalism, and dictatorial power. Fascists believe that the nation or race is the most important element of society and that individuals should be subordinate to the needs of the state. They seek to create a totalitarian regime in which the government has complete control over all aspects of life, including the economy, media, and education. The fascist movement gained prominence during World War II when several European countries were ruled by fascist regimes, most notably Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. Today, the term "fascist" is often used as a pejorative to describe any person or group that exhibits authoritarian tendencies or seeks to suppress opposition or dissent.