Rev Left Radio Fascism w/ American Characteristics (The Pokepreet Podcast Ft. Breht O'Shea)
Jun 23, 2025
Breht O'Shea, host of Rev Left Radio, and Henri Martel, a Substack writer focused on philosophy and history, dive deep into the nuances of 21st-century fascism. They discuss how American fascism differs from its historical counterparts, highlighting the link between neoliberalism and authoritarianism. The conversation touches on insecure masculinity's role in fascist movements and critiques the liberal response to rising authoritarianism. They also explore class dynamics, the Palestinian liberation struggle, and the need for grassroots organization against contemporary challenges.
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Fascism as Capitalism Crisis
- Fascism is an outcome of capitalism in crisis, requiring a materialist economic analysis to understand its rise.
- Liberal capitalism inevitably leads to fascism because it continually produces crises and resists transformative change.
U.S. Fascism's New Form
- Modern U.S. fascism is less aggressive due to lack of organized militant working class resistance.
- Fascism evolves with capitalism's changes, becoming more refined and sophisticated in exploitation.
Fascism's Romantic Appeal
- Fascism draws from alienated, violent individuals often disconnected from community.
- Its ideology mingles romantic fantasy and mythology, attracting lost men hungry for heroic identity.
