Red Menace Trotsky on Fascism (and Lessons for us Today)
Mar 24, 2025
Dive into Trotsky's sharp analysis of fascism and its echoes in today's political arena. The discussion reveals the role of the petty bourgeoisie and explores the complexities of the U.S. lumpen proletariat. Insights on neoliberal authoritarianism and the implications of the Trump era highlight systemic challenges. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for a united front among leftist factions to combat rising authoritarianism and advocates for practical strategies and solidarity in resistance against ever-evolving fascist threats.
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Petty Bourgeoisie Fuel Fascism
- Trotsky identifies the petty bourgeoisie as the main base driving fascism as a mass movement.
- This class fears downward proletarianization and aspires upward, making them susceptible to fascist mobilization.
Neoliberalism vs. Fascism
- Neoliberal governments are rational, maintaining bureaucracy; fascists are irrational, dismantling bureaucracies and centralizing executive power.
- Current trends toward executive dominance in the U.S. mirror fascist tactics by eroding checks and balances.
Decentralized Terror in Modern Fascism
- Modern American fascism adapts through decentralized, atomized acts of terror instead of coordinated paramilitary groups.
- Lone wolf attacks and diverse right-wing factions enable fascist aims without centralized street violence.
