Italy, Germany, Japan AND/OR Austria, Hungary, Italy AND/OR Hungary, Germany
Benito Mussolini coined the term. In 1923, he wrote, “the axis of European history passes through Berlin” Before Hitler was a factor. More than a decade later, Hungary’s Prime Minister, Gyula Gombos, used the term while negotiating an alliance with Italy and Germany.
Each member of the axis alliance was expansionist. Each saw itself blocked by wealthy countries; their progress prevented. Each opposed communism. Each promoted the military in their societies.
They were fascists – ultranationalists, creators of regimented societies. They allowed no internal opposition.
Convinced their governments were popular, they both represented the people and needed to control them. They had contempt for the countries and societies that were their obstacles and were unlike them.
Who were those other countries? Other societies?
England, France, the rest of Western Europe, the British Empire, the United States of America.
Is a new axis forming? Ultranationalists, aspirants for regimented societies which allow no internal opposition.
Russia, China, Hungary, The Czech Republic, Poland, Brazil, and, God Help Us, the United States of America.