To Fatalistic Fascism, we say F..Off!

Fascism can be a tricky word, and some would banish it from political discourse. One persuasive argument is that listeners will perceive that calling someone like Donald Trump or Elon Musk a fascist is to make a direct comparison with Hitler. These comparisons may not hold up historically or philosophically.

On the other hand, a variety of nativist, extreme right, and religious fanatic groups as well as the accelerationist techo-fascist powers envision a word dominated by and benefitting a few powerful men. They attempt to channel the anger of frustrated and confused masses against out groups such as migrants and the racially, religiously or politically different and those different in gender or sexual preference.

Well, this is fascism and we better look it in the eye before it consumes our societies.

In their brilliant new book “End Times Fascism and the Fight for the Living World“, Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor apply a rigorous knowledge of history and politics to show how modern forms of fascism both resemble and differ from the fascist movements of the mid-twentieth century.

The “end times fascists” that Klein and Taylor focus on include religious zealots such as Israeli hard-liners and the Christian nationalists with whom they are allied. It includes nativist politicians and movements and their violence against immigrants in an attempt build a bunkered nation. And perhaps the most dangerous, the tech million/billion/trillion-aires who believe that they can separate themselves from the rest of humanity on remote islands, sea-based platforms or independent cities. And even by going into outer space or “uploading” themselves on to machines in a “trans-human” future.

What they have in common is a conviction that the earth and humanity is in rapid decline into crises and that a privileged or chosen few (themselves) will survive while the rest of us and our fellow creatures and the planet itself goes to hell.

Honestly, the first sections are difficult to read without falling into despair. In recent interviews Astra and Naomi advise us to plunge deep into this darkness so our eyes can adjust to see what is going on. The ending chapters are far more positive with inspiring examples of resistance like the opposition to data centers in Memphis, the heroic resistance to ICE in Minneapolis and the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York City.

Some other authors who have given us otherwise commendable accounts of these dangers all too often end with a rather fluffy optimistic what you can do pep-talk. Not these two women. Their proposals for a new kind of disarmament movement are solidly grounded on our real history of resistance and must be taken to heart.

I’m not sure the authors would approve, but I suggest that if you are getting depressed while reading the beginning sections, skip to the end and read a chapter or two. It will cheer you up and give you the fortitude to face your descent back into the dark pages when you go back to read them.

Naomi and Astra have published an excellent accompanying video. Even if you don’t read the book you should take in the video. It is available on YouTube: How modern fascism works | End Times Fascism.

There are many interviews on the web, this interview with Robert Reich is especially good.

The Nerd-Reich

By the way, I also want to recommend another book, “The Nerd-Reich: Silicon Valley Fascism and the War on Democracy” by Gil Durán. This one gives us an even closer look at the strange world of the techno-fascists. Check out Paris Marx’s interview with Gil on his “Tech Won’t Save Us” podcast series.

Tech Fascism Has Come for American Democracy
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