Opposition from the Italian military and police forces to Mussolini's regime was minimal. These institutions were largely supportive of Fascism, with high-ranking officers often sharing Fascist ideologies. The regime took steps to ensure loyalty, including purges of non-Fascist elements and the promotion of loyalists. However, there were instances of discontent, especially among lower-ranking officers and soldiers, often related to the regime's military policies and failures. Notably, the military's loyalty wavered significantly towards the end of Mussolini's rule, culminating in his arrest by the King and high-ranking military officials in 1943.

Mussolini's economic policies, like the Battle for Grain and the reclamation of marshlands, were initially popular for their promise of self-sufficiency and modernisation. However, as these policies often failed to yield the promised benefits and led to economic hardships, public sentiment shifted. The working class and rural populations were particularly affected by the regime's neglect of consumer goods production and poor living conditions. Strikes and worker unrest were common, though heavily suppressed. The regime's inability to effectively address these economic challenges, especially during the Great Depression, led to increasing disillusionment among the Italian populace.

The Mussolini regime's response to everyday acts of resistance by Italian citizens was typically one of suppression, though the severity varied. For minor acts like jokes or graffiti, the response might involve local police action, fines, or short-term imprisonment. More significant acts of defiance, such as strikes or public criticism, were met with harsher measures, including longer prison sentences, exile, or even violence. The OVRA (secret police) played a key role in monitoring and suppressing dissent. Despite this, everyday resistance continued, reflecting a persistent, if quiet, opposition to the regime among segments of the population.

Italian cinema under Mussolini became a tool for promoting Fascist ideology. The regime heavily censored films, ensuring they aligned with Fascist values. Mussolini established the LUCE Institute to produce newsreels and documentaries glorifying the regime's achievements. Moreover, the Cinecittà studio, inaugurated in 1937, was envisioned as a means to rival Hollywood and disseminate Fascist propaganda globally. Films often featured themes of militarism, nationalism, and traditional values, subtly embedding Fascist ideology into entertainment. This use of cinema was part of the broader Fascist strategy to control cultural outlets and shape public opinion.

Mussolini's regime, aware of the power of international opinion, tried to influence foreign journalists and media. The regime facilitated 'guided tours' for foreign journalists, showing them a carefully curated version of Italy. Moreover, it used its embassies and cultural institutions abroad to disseminate pro-Fascist literature and news, aiming to project a positive image of Italy under Fascism. Despite these efforts, many foreign correspondents and newspapers remained critical, especially in democratic countries. The regime's control over the narrative was thus only partially successful, as reports of its authoritarianism and aggression often found their way into the international press.