• 2. Anti-fascism

The Rise of Fascism & the Condition of Democratic Forces in Europe

As we face the rise of nationalism and fascism in Europe, the echoes of its 20th century past grow louder. The increasingly authoritarian character of governments in Europe is a stark reminder that the lessons of the 20th century have not been fully learned and that capitalists still use fascism as the last arrow in their quiver, against movements and society. From the streets of Budapest to the parliament of Stockholm, right-wing nationalist and fascist parties are gaining ground, threatening the safety of societies.

But this is not just a European phenomenon. The global trend of rising right-wing nationalism, from India to the USA, from Turkey to Argentina, demands an understanding of the forces at play. How can we frame the European situation within this broader context? What can we learn from the past, and how can we overcome the legacy of 20th century fascism that still lingers in the European mentality and remains at the heart of the capitalist system?

It is crucial to examine the deep connections between fascism and capitalism. The rise of fascist forces often coincides with the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, and this is why fascism intensifies the erosion of social welfare and labour rights. Under the guise of increasing “security”, new laws are being passed that are supposed to combat increasing criminality, but in reality aim at restraining the action of the movements and threaten the security of all of society. We could ask; are these measures truly designed to protect us, or are they meant to consolidate power and suppress dissent? What kind of system are they paving the way to?

Some key points to consider:

• How can we effectively counter the rise of fascist and authoritarian forces in Europe, and what does contemporary anti-fascism look like?
• How are the questions of migration, labour, and economic inequality being exploited by right-wing nationalist parties, and how can democratic forces respond to these challenges?
• How can we, the movements, give a concrete response to the increased fear of “the other” and the readiness to accept repression, which are the basis on which fascism is accepted socially?
• How can we analyse the role of the middle class in the rise of fascism?
• Centre and periphery in Europe: the present contradiction between Northern and Southern Europe, Western and Eastern Europe. How can we create a new practice of internationalism and solidarity as a response?
• What do we understand by fascism in this new era?

Join the group and the work to shape a contemporary and strong front against fascism in Europe!