Category Archives: Definitions

What is Antifascism?

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Antifascism, often abbreviated as “antifa,” is a political movement and ideology that opposes fascist ideologies, groups, and individuals. Antifascists advocate for a broad range of social and political actions to counteract the rise and influence of fascist movements and authoritarianism. Here are key aspects of antifascism:

  1. Opposition to Fascism: At its core, antifascism is committed to resisting and combating fascist ideologies and practices. This includes opposition to racism, ultranationalism, authoritarianism, and other tenets of fascism.
  2. Activism and Direct Action: Antifascists often engage in direct action, including protests, counter-demonstrations, and other forms of resistance against fascist groups and events. These actions can sometimes include physical confrontation, but they also involve non-violent methods such as organizing community events, spreading information, and advocating for policy changes.
  3. Solidarity and Community Defense: Antifascism emphasizes solidarity with marginalized groups who are often targets of fascist and far-right violence, such as ethnic minorities, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others. Antifascists work to protect these communities and support their rights.
  4. Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination: A significant component of antifascism is fighting against racism, xenophobia, and all forms of discrimination. This includes challenging hate speech, opposing discriminatory policies, and promoting social equality.
  5. Grassroots and Decentralized: The antifascist movement is often decentralized, with no single organizational structure or leadership. It consists of a network of local groups and activists who operate independently but share common goals.
  6. Historical Roots: Antifascism has historical roots going back to the early 20th century, where it emerged as a response to the rise of fascist regimes in Europe, notably in Italy and Germany. Antifascists were active in resistance movements during World War II and continue to be active in contemporary politics.
  7. Contemporary Relevance: Today, antifascism remains relevant as it responds to the resurgence of far-right and nationalist movements around the world. Antifascists often highlight the dangers of these movements and work to prevent them from gaining political power.

Antifascism is not a homogenous movement and includes a wide range of political ideologies, from anarchists and socialists to liberals and other progressives. Despite the diversity within the movement, the unifying principle is the opposition to fascism and authoritarianism in all forms.

What is Fascism?

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Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian ultra-nationalist political ideology and movement characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy. It emerged in early 20th-century Europe, with Italy under Benito Mussolini being its first major example.

Key features of fascism include:

  1. Authoritarianism: Fascist regimes are led by strong leaders with near-absolute power. Democratic processes are typically dismantled or heavily controlled.
  2. Ultra-nationalism: Fascism promotes intense nationalism, often combined with a belief in the superiority of one’s own nation or race.
  3. Militarism: Fascist states often glorify military strength and use violence or the threat of violence to achieve political ends.
  4. Suppression of Opposition: Political dissent is not tolerated. Fascist governments often use secret police, censorship, and propaganda to eliminate opposition.
  5. Controlled Economy: While fascist economies are not necessarily fully state-controlled, the government exerts significant control over economic activities, often through corporatism, where the state mediates between capital and labor within a single-party state structure.
  6. Anti-Communism: Fascism strongly opposes communism and socialism, viewing these ideologies as threats to the nation and its values.
  7. Cultural and Social Control: Fascist regimes seek to mold society through strict control of education, media, and culture, promoting a homogeneous national identity.

Fascism has been most notably associated with Mussolini’s Italy and Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany, but it has influenced various movements and regimes around the world. Despite its historical roots, the term “fascism” is sometimes used more broadly to describe various authoritarian and nationalist movements.