While all of the above may be very
illuminating, none of them really gives a modern
definition of the word "Fascism" as it is applied to modern
ideology and states.
Fascism can most broadly in this day and age be reduced to a concept of "rule through strength" and moreover, rule by an elite of the majority. This elite is without exception formed from members of that aforementioned majority.
Fascism is by nature exclusive of any minority voice, since it operates on behalf the numerical majority. Fascism assumes the absolute unity of the people and is therefore without exception totalitarian in outlook.
Fascism tends to encourage concepts of purity, especially those concepts which are seen as strength-building.
Fascism must inevitably lead to conflict, either internal or external in any state in which it is the dominant ideology, since strength must continually be tested and proven. Should the current regime lose, it did not have the strength (and thus the almost "divine right") to continue.
It can be viewed as ironic that most fascist parties in the Western world are currently themselves tiny minorities. However, fascist ideals retain their popular appeal in many other areas of the globe.