Given the preconditions of fascism which characterized pre-fascist Germany and Italy, the crucial missing step in the United States thus far is the creation of a well-organized extreme right-wing movement with not only a clear political and ideological content but which is also capable of terrorist action against minorities they despise. The religious right hides its ultra-conservative political agenda by emphasizing family values and attacking the separation of church and state. However, the US in the 1990s has many similarities to the pre-fascist conditions in the 1930s and shows a dangerous trend toward religious authoritarianism.
