The Bunker – News without the nonsense

Space-suit vs Jackboot – Can science fiction save us from fascism?

Oct 3, 2025
Joined by Damien Walter, a writer and sci-fi commentator, the discussion dives into how science fiction mirrors the rise of fascism in modern society. They explore the parallels between characters like Donald Trump and sci-fi archetypes, and debate whether classics like *V for Vendetta* serve as warnings or how-to guides. Walter also critiques *Andor* through a Marxist lens, pondering the implications of colonialism and revolutionary tactics within the Star Wars universe. Ultimately, they consider how crafting new narratives can help combat authoritarianism.
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INSIGHT

Science Fiction As Our Modern Mythos

  • Science fiction acts as the mythos of our era and shapes how we imagine future societies.
  • Damien Walter argues these myths help people understand technological and cultural change.
INSIGHT

Huxley Over Orwell—For Now

  • Walter contrasts Huxley and Orwell, preferring Huxley's vision of desire-shaped control over outright jackboot repression.
  • He warns we may be drifting from Huxleyan consumer control toward 1984-style authoritarianism.
INSIGHT

Fascism As Backlash Against Futures

  • Fascism can arise as a reaction when imagined futures fail to arrive and people long for a mythic past.
  • Walter sees fascism as a backlash against unrealised modernist promises of progress.
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