Brief: Antifascist Woodshed

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Feb 22, 2025

Dive into a critical review of six essential books that define fascism and document the resistance against it. Explore diverse perspectives on political activism, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among liberals and leftists. Discover the tactical insights from history on how coups succeed—focusing on strategy over ideology. Finally, arm yourself with grassroots methods and legal strategies to effectively combat fascism, sparking a conversation on the ethics of resistance.

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ADVICE

Resist Tyranny

Make eye contact and small talk with neighbors to foster community.
Develop courage and defend institutions; do not obey unjust orders.

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INSIGHT

Snyder's Oversimplification

Timothy Snyder’s simplistic analysis of fascism overlooks crucial societal factors.
His focus on psychological fixes rather than systemic issues limits its impact.

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INSIGHT

Fascism's Essence

Fascism is defined by behavior, not aesthetics; focus on actions, not appearances.
Paxton emphasizes that every manifestation of fascism is unique, avoid generalizations.

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Examining Anti-Fascist Literature

02:26 • 10min

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Understanding Fascism and Anti-Fascism

12:27 • 18min

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The Tactical Anatomy of Coups: Lessons from History

30:09 • 3min

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Grassroots Strategies Against Fascism

This book is a comprehensive analysis of Xenophon's dialogue Hiero, in which the tyrant Hiero and the poet Simonides discuss the advantages and disadvantages of exercising tyranny. The work includes a translation of the dialogue from its original Greek, Strauss's commentary on it, a critique of Strauss's commentary by Alexandre Kojève, and the complete correspondence between Strauss and Kojève. The discussion delves into the nature of tyranny, the distinction between tyrants and kings, and the philosophical implications of these concepts. The book also explores the debate between Strauss and Kojève on the role of philosophy in ruling the world and the concept of the Universal Homogenous State.

Antifa

The Anti-Fascist Handbook

Mark Bray

Mark Bray's "Antifa: The Anti-fascist Handbook" provides a comprehensive history of anti-fascist movements, tracing their origins from the rise of fascism in the 20th century to contemporary activism. The book examines the diverse tactics employed by antifascist groups, including direct action, protest, and community organizing. Bray challenges the common misconception of antifa as a monolithic entity, highlighting the ideological and tactical diversity within the movement. He also addresses criticisms of antifa, offering a nuanced perspective on its role in contemporary society. The book serves as a valuable resource for understanding the history and complexities of anti-fascist movements.

The Anatomy of Fascism

Robert O. Paxton

In 'The Anatomy of Fascism,' Robert O. Paxton delves into the nature of fascism by examining the actions of fascist movements rather than their ideologies. He surveys how these movements sought followers, formed alliances, and exercised power, highlighting characteristics such as the emphasis on historical grievances, the cult of leadership, mass-based national militant movements, repression of democratic liberties, and the use of violence. Paxton also explores why fascists came to power in some countries but not others and whether fascism could exist outside its early-twentieth-century European context. The book is based on a lifetime of research and provides a comprehensive understanding of fascism, its variations, and its implications for modern history.

The Technique of Coup d'Etat

Curzio Malaparte

40 Ways to Fight Fascists

Street-Legal Tactics for Community Activists

Spencer Sunshine

This guide offers a comprehensive set of legal and community-based actions to resist White Nationalist and fascist movements. It includes strategies such as exposing fascists, organizing counter-demonstrations, and promoting educational programs. The guide is designed to be accessible to people of all backgrounds and skill levels.

How to Stop Fascism

Paul Mason

In 'How to Stop Fascism', Paul Mason provides a comprehensive analysis of fascism's historical emergence and its contemporary manifestations. He argues that fascism is a symptom of capitalist failure and offers a hopeful blueprint for resisting it through alliances between the centre and the left, and by winning the battle of ideas. The book serves as a timely warning and practical guide for activists and political elites to combat the resurgence of fascist ideologies worldwide.

Education / Public service alert:

Matthew critically reviews six books that define fascist eras and recount how they have been opposed. A kind of “here we are, now what?” episode that hopefully interrupts the doomscroll with the sobriety of some practical considerations.

Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny (2017)
Robert Paxton, Anatomy of Fascism (2004)
Paul Mason, How to Fight Fascism (2018)
Mark Bray, Antifa: The Antifascist Handbook (2017)
Curzio Malaparte: Technique de Coup d’Etat (1931)
Spencer Sunshine: 40 Ways to Fight Fascists: Street-Legal Tactics for Community Activists (2021)

Formats range from popular nonfiction to academic history to pragmatic field guide. Politics range from liberal to anarchist. More feminist and non-white sources to be reviewed soon.