The Pete Quiñones Show **Throwback** Italy's Devastating 'Years of Lead' w/ Patrick from Surviving Weimerika
Dec 24, 2025
Patrick from Surviving Weimerika dives deep into Italy's 'Years of Lead,' a turbulent era from 1968 to 1988, marked by violent clashes between far-left and far-right factions. He explores the connections between historical ideologies and modern polarization, drawing parallels to events like the U.S. January 6. The discussion reveals insights on the formation of neo-fascist groups, the infamous Piazza Fontana bombing, and the rise of the Red Brigades, shedding light on lingering implications for today's political landscape.
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Freda's Cross‑Ideological Accelerationism
- Franco Freda bridges far-right mythos and accelerationist praxis in Italy's radical scene.
- His mix of national socialism and Maoist ideas helped shape violent strategy across the spectrum.
Long Roots Of Italian Revolutionary Violence
- Italy's revolutionary culture traces to 19th‑century figures like Mazzini and Garibaldi.
- That legacy normalised secret societies and ritualised violence into 20th‑century movements.
Nihilist Doctrine Fueled Militant Commitment
- Russian nihilist and revolutionary doctrines framed a militant cult of sacrifice for many militants.
- Texts like Sergei Nechayev's 'Catechism of a Revolutionary' became practical manuals for committed cells.