duce

'''''' ( , ) is an Italian title, derived from the Latin word , 'leader', and a cognate of duke. National Fascist Party leader Benito Mussolini was identified by Fascists as ('The Leader') of the movement since the birth of the in 1919. In 1925 it became a reference to the dictatorial position of ('His Excellency Benito Mussolini, Head of Government, Leader of Fascism and Founder of the Empire'). Mussolini held this title together with that of President of the Council of Ministers: this was the constitutional position which entitled him to rule Italy on behalf of the king of Italy. Founder of the Empire was added for the exclusive use by Mussolini in recognition of his founding of an official legal entity of the Italian Empire on behalf of the king in 1936 following Italy's victory in the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. The position was held by Mussolini until 1943, when he was removed from office by the king and the position of was discontinued, while Marshal Pietro Badoglio was appointed .

This position was the model which other fascist leaders adopted, such as the position of by Adolf Hitler and by Francisco Franco. In September 1943, Mussolini styled himself as the "Duce of the Italian Social Republic" (), and held the position until the collapse of the Italian Social Republic and his execution in April 1945.