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.