History tells us there are two paths to fascism. The first involves the creation of a mass party, backed by thousands of paramilitary thugs, with a populist economic agenda, a charismatic leader, and a nostalgic, nationalistic program; the second is dependent on the strength, ruthlessness, and prestige of the armed forces, typically juxtaposed against a powerful leftist movement that endangers the interests of the wealthy and privileged.
We’re some distance from either of these; illiberal democracy is a much better bet. As I’ve noted before, however, the raw materials already exist, so, with the proper leadership, a truly threatening fascist movement in this country is far from an impossibility.