ABSTRACT
We have learned to distinguish precisely the despotic regimes of the twentieth centuryCommunism, Fascism and National Socialism-according to their place and time, origin and influence, political and social profile. But what should we call that which they have in common?1 On this, there is no consensus; indeed, for a long time the question seemed not even to be permitted-or not, at least, in Germany.2 That this is unsatisfying is obvious.
