Popular Front The Militant European Antifa That Became US Terrorists
8 snips
Nov 28, 2025 In this discussion, researcher Tom Lord delves into the complexities of militant anti-fascist networks in Europe, recently branded as 'terrorists' by the Trump administration. He critiques the political motivations behind these designations, especially the influence of figures like Marco Rubio. Lord highlights the distinction between European and U.S. anti-fascist movements and warns about the legal ramifications of these broad labels. He also examines specific militant groups, offering insights into their histories and activities, painting a nuanced picture of modern anti-fascist sentiments.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Antifa Is An Ideology, Not One Group
- The US State Department treated Antifa as a single foreign terrorist threat rather than a dispersed ideology with varied groups.
- Tom Lord says the designated groups are mostly European, unusual, and often inactive or local in scope.
Leipzig Hammer Group Targeted Neo-Nazis
- Antifa Ost operated in Leipzig and used decentralised intelligence to find and violently attack neo-Nazis, earning the nickname 'hammer band.'
- Tom Lord recounts their attacks on gyms, pubs, vehicles and the group's ties to a figure known as Lena E.
FAI/FRI Had Capabilities But Faded
- The Informal Anarchist Federation (FAI/FRI) historically carried out bombings and shootings but has been largely dismantled by European law enforcement.
- Tom Lord notes their last major incident was a 2022 bombing attempt and that active capability has waned.
