Gottfried: Fascism and Antifascism, a Fatal Dance

Why Paul Gottfried’s Work on Fascism and Antifascism Deserves Attention

In contemporary political discourse, the term fascism is frequently wielded as a rhetorical weapon, often detached from its historical and theoretical meaning. The word, once used to describe a specific political movement in early 20th-century Europe, has been stretched beyond recognition and applied indiscriminately to a wide range of ideologies, figures, and movements. Simultaneously, antifascism is often presented as an unquestionably noble and necessary cause, despite its historical entanglements with violent leftist radicalism, particularly Marxist-Leninist movements.

Paul Gottfried’s books—Fascism: The Career of a Concept (2016) and Antifascism: The Course of a Crusade (2021)—offer an indispensable corrective to these distortions. Through rigorous historical analysis and sharp political insight, Gottfried elucidates how fascism has been mischaracterized, both by liberal academics and by Marxist theorists, leading to its use as a vague and demonizing label. Moreover, he exposes how the modern antifascist movement often operates as a shield for radical leftist violence and repression. By engaging with these works, readers can better understand political concepts, resist propaganda-driven narratives, and recognize the dangers of ideologically driven historical revisionism.

The Evolution and Misuse of the Concept of Fascism

In Fascism: The Career of a Concept, Gottfried traces the historical and intellectual development of the term fascism, demonstrating how it has been subject to manipulation for political ends. Contrary to the common perception that fascism is merely an extreme form of right-wing authoritarianism, Gottfried shows that fascist movements were often distinct from both traditional conservatism and reactionary politics.

Fascism as a Distinct Ideology

One of the most valuable aspects of Gottfried’s analysis is his clarification that fascism was not a monolithic or purely reactionary ideology. He highlights that fascism arose in response to the failures of liberal democracy and the perceived threats posed by communism in early 20th-century Europe. Benito Mussolini, a former socialist, crafted an ideology that borrowed from both left-wing and right-wing traditions. Fascists sought to create a corporatist state that rejected both unregulated capitalism and Marxist collectivism, aiming instead to forge a nationalist, state-driven economic model.

This historical specificity is crucial because it undermines the simplistic leftist assertion that any form of nationalism, traditionalism, or scepticism of progressive policies is inherently fascist. Gottfried meticulously examines how, over time, certain leftist intellectuals and activists redefined fascism to encompass a wide range of opposition to their goals. In his view, this shift serves political purposes: by labeling opponents as fascists, some on the left may justify aggressive tactics as a necessary response to a perceived existential threat.

The Weaponization of the Term

Gottfried also examines how fascism has been used as a broad, pejorative label, particularly by the left. After World War II, Marxist and liberal intellectuals sought to redefine fascism in ways that served their ideological objectives. Figures like Theodor Adorno and Herbert Marcuse of the Frankfurt School connected fascism to cultural conservatism and traditional Western values, framing a wide range of political stances as potentially proto fascist. Gottfried views this intellectual shift as having significant consequences.

This academic sleight of hand had profound consequences. By the mid-to-late 20th century, some leftist thinkers, according to Gottfried, had redefined fascism, shifting it from a specific historical movement to a broader term applied to various ideologies they opposed, such as capitalism, Christian morality, or Western nationalism.

This allowed leftist movements to conflate classical liberalism, economic conservatism, and even moderate patriotism with the horrors of Nazi Germany.

By exposing this intellectual maneuvering, Gottfried helps readers recognize that the term fascist is often a tool of ideological manipulation rather than an accurate descriptor of political reality.

 Antifascism as a Justification for Leftist Violence

While Fascism: The Career of a Concept provides a historical and theoretical account of how fascism has been misrepresented, Antifascism: The Course of a Crusade turns its attention to those who claim to fight fascism. Here, Gottfried contends that antifascism, in some instances, serves as a justification for violence and the suppression of political dissent, rather than solely a defense against authoritarianism.

The Myth of Antifascism as a Purely Defensive Movement

Antifascists typically present themselves as defenders of democracy against authoritarian threats. However, as Gottfried demonstrates, antifascist movements, particularly in their modern manifestations, frequently engage in behavior that mirrors the authoritarianism they claim to oppose. From the Spanish Civil War to modern-day Antifa, antifascists have used the specter of fascism to rationalize violence, censorship, and the suppression of political dissent.

Historical antifascist movements, such as those led by communist factions in the 20th century, were not defenders of liberal democracy but rather advocates of revolutionary Marxism. Gottfried details how Soviet-backed antifascist groups in the 1930s and 1940s were primarily concerned with eliminating non-communist opponents, including democratic socialists and conservative nationalists. These groups used the language of antifascism to justify violent purges and the establishment of totalitarian regimes.

Modern Antifascism and Its Totalitarian Tendencies

Gottfried’s critique extends to the modern antifascist movement, which he sees as inheriting the tactics of its Marxist predecessors. In recent years, organizations like Antifa have engaged in rioting, physical intimidation, and destruction of property, all under the banner of fighting fascism. However, when one scrutinizes their targets, it becomes clear that they often attack not actual fascists but anyone who opposes their radical leftist ideology.

For example, in the United States and Europe, antifascist groups have targeted mainstream conservatives, libertarians, and even centrist liberals who question progressive orthodoxy. Campus speakers, journalists, and politicians have been branded as fascists simply for advocating positions that deviate from leftist dogma. This overreach demonstrates that modern antifascism is less about opposing genuine authoritarian threats and more about enforcing ideological conformity.

Gottfried argues that this dynamic is not accidental but a core feature of antifascism as a political strategy. By branding all opposition as fascist, antifascists create a moral framework that justifies their own authoritarian behavior. Violence, censorship, and intimidation become necessary evils in the fight against an existential fascist threat, whether or not that threat actually exists.

The Political Consequences of Fascist and Antifascist Misrepresentation

The misrepresentation of fascism and antifascism has had profound political consequences, shaping contemporary political discourse in ways that stifle meaningful debate and obscure historical truth. When terms lose their specificity and are instead wielded as ideological weapons, their original meaning becomes diluted, rendering them ineffective for genuine political analysis. Paul Gottfried’s work is invaluable in exposing these distortions and clarifying how they have been used to manipulate public perception. By tracing the evolution of these terms, he demonstrates how the modern left has co-opted fascism as a universal label for its enemies while simultaneously portraying antifascism as an inherently righteous cause, regardless of its actual methods or objectives.

The Danger of False Fascist Labels

One of the most alarming consequences of the broad application of the term fascist is the erosion of genuine political discourse. When mainstream conservatives, libertarians, or centrists are readily labeled as fascists, opportunities for meaningful dialogue can diminish. Gottfried argues that some on the left may, at times, sidestep rational engagement with opposing views by casting them as extremist, hindering discussion.

This strategy ensures that political opponents are demonized rather than debated, shutting down free expression and reinforcing ideological echo chambers.

Moreover, the reckless overuse of the term fascism distracts from real threats to democratic societies. By fixating on branding conservative and nationalist movements in the West as fascist, the left often ignores the rise of genuine authoritarian threats that do not fit their preferred ideological framework. For example, the totalitarian policies of the Chinese Communist Party or the violent repression practiced by radical Islamist groups rarely receive the same level of scrutiny as right-wing movements in Europe or North America. This selective application of the fascist label demonstrates its function as a political weapon rather than an objective descriptor of political reality.

The Left’s Expanding Definition of Fascism

Gottfried’s work is particularly effective in illustrating how the definition of fascism has been deliberately expanded beyond its historical origins. Classical fascism, as practiced in Mussolini’s Italy, was a specific political ideology rooted in nationalism, state corporatism, and authoritarian rule. However, since the mid-20th century, leftist intellectuals and activists have broadened this definition to include nearly any resistance to progressive politics. Cultural conservatism, opposition to open borders, and even advocacy for free-market economics have all been painted as fascist tendencies despite their fundamental differences from historical fascism.

This inflationary use of the term fascism serves a strategic purpose: it allows the left to position itself as the default moral authority while delegitimizing any form of political opposition. By turning fascist into a catch-all smear, leftist activists and politicians create a moral framework in which only their positions are deemed acceptable. This makes it easier to justify extreme measures against their opponents, whether through censorship, deplatforming, or even physical violence.

The Hypocrisy of the Antifascist Movement

While antifascists claim to oppose authoritarianism, their tactics often mirror the very behaviours they claim to resist. In Antifascism: The Course of a Crusade, Gottfried meticulously details how modern antifascists frequently engage in violent riots, suppress free speech, and intimidate political opponents—tactics that bear striking similarities to those of historical fascist movements. Despite presenting themselves as protectors of democracy, antifascists often rely on force and coercion to achieve their aims, undermining the very democratic values they claim to defend.

This hypocrisy becomes even more glaring when one examines the historical roots of antifascist movements. Many of the original antifascist organizations in the 20th century were directly affiliated with communist and Marxist-Leninist groups that sought to establish their own forms of totalitarian rule. For instance, during the Spanish Civil War, Soviet-backed antifascist militias were notorious for their brutal purges of ideological rivals, including democratic socialists and non-communist leftists. Gottfried’s work exposes these historical realities, challenging the sanitized, one-sided narrative of antifascism as a purely defensive movement.

The Violence and Radicalism of Modern Antifascism

Modern antifascist movements, including groups like Antifa, have, in Gottfried’s view, at times carried forward a pattern of invoking antifascism to defend actions that can be extreme or disruptive.

Under the pretence of combating authoritarianism, these groups have engaged in looting, destruction of public property, and violent assaults on political opponents. This pattern has been observed in protests and riots across the United States and Europe, where antifascists have targeted conservative speakers, journalists, and even bystanders who refuse to align with their ideology.

Gottfried highlights how these actions are not merely spontaneous reactions to perceived threats but are part of a broader ideological movement that seeks to dismantle existing social and political structures. By framing all resistance to their radical agenda as fascism, modern antifascists create a moral justification for their own extremism. This dynamic allows them to escape accountability, as media and academic institutions often portray their actions as necessary resistance rather than as politically motivated violence.

The Role of the Media in Reinforcing False Narratives

A crucial aspect of Gottfried’s analysis is his examination of how mainstream media perpetuates the misrepresentation of fascism and antifascism. Some left-leaning journalists and commentators, Gottfried suggests, often emphasize the notion that Western democracies face an imminent fascist threat, a claim he argues lacks sufficient evidence. Simultaneously, they downplay or outright ignore the radicalism of modern antifascist groups, portraying them as heroic defenders of democracy rather than as militant activists with a history of violent agitation.

This biased coverage serves to reinforce leftist narratives while shielding antifascist groups from criticism. By presenting antifascism as a moral imperative, the media helps to legitimize extremist tactics and further marginalizes those who challenge progressive orthodoxy. Gottfried’s work provides a necessary counterbalance to this media-driven distortion, offering readers a more objective understanding of these political movements.

The Consequences for Free Speech and Civil Liberties

The misrepresentation of fascism and antifascism has also led to increasing attacks on free speech and civil liberties. When political opponents can be dismissed as fascists, there is no need to engage with their arguments—silencing them becomes a moral duty rather than a violation of democratic principles. This logic has been used to justify everything from social media censorship to violent disruptions of public events.

Gottfried warns that this climate of suppression poses a significant threat to democratic societies. When open debate is replaced with ideological policing, the foundations of democratic governance are eroded. The expansion of the fascist label and the unchecked radicalism of antifascist groups contribute to a culture of fear in which individuals hesitate to express their views for fear of retribution.

The Need for Historical and Intellectual Honesty

Ultimately, Gottfried’s analysis underscores the importance of historical and intellectual honesty in political discourse. The reckless redefinition of fascism and the unquestioning glorification of antifascism do not serve the cause of democracy—they distort reality and empower radical movements that seek to undermine democratic institutions. By carefully tracing the historical evolution of these concepts, Gottfried provides a framework for resisting ideological manipulation and engaging in more meaningful political analysis.

Engaging with Gottfried’s work is not merely an academic exercise—it is a necessary defense against the ideological excesses that threaten to erode civil discourse and democratic governance. His scholarship challenges readers to think critically about the terms they encounter in political discussions and to recognize when historical narratives are being manipulated for partisan gain.

A Call for Clarity and Critical Thinking

To navigate today’s politically charged climate, it is essential to approach political terminology with precision and intellectual rigor. Paul Gottfried’s Fascism: The Career of a Concept and Antifascism: The Course of a Crusade provide readers with the tools to critically assess the rhetoric surrounding these movements and to resist the simplifications that dominate mainstream discourse. By reclaiming these terms from their politicized distortions, we can foster a more honest and productive conversation about political ideology, history, and the future of democratic societies.

Why We Must Pay Attention to Gottfried’s Work

Paul Gottfried’s Fascism: The Career of a Concept and Antifascism: The Course of a Crusade provide crucial correctives to the widespread distortions of these politically charged terms. Through his rigorous scholarship, Gottfried clarifies the historical and ideological evolution of fascism, demonstrating how it has been misrepresented over time to serve various political agendas. His analysis reveals that fascism, rather than being a generic label for any form of nationalism or right-wing politics, was a distinct movement with specific historical origins. This careful historical reconstruction is essential in an era when political discourse is increasingly dominated by emotional appeals rather than factual accuracy. Without such clarity, the misuse of these terms leads to shallow and misleading political debates.

Gottfried’s analysis of antifascism is equally important, as he exposes how the concept has often been wielded as a rhetorical and strategic weapon rather than a principled opposition to authoritarianism. While antifascism is commonly portrayed as an unambiguous moral stance against dictatorship, Gottfried’s research reveals how it has frequently been associated with violent Marxist movements that sought to impose their own form of authoritarian rule. By examining historical antifascist movements and their modern-day manifestations, he demonstrates that antifascists have often engaged in the same forms of censorship, suppression, and violence they claim to resist. This exposes a fundamental hypocrisy in the modern leftist appropriation of antifascism as a moral absolute.

In today’s political climate, where ideological opponents are quickly branded as fascists and where antifascist violence is excused or ignored by mainstream institutions, Gottfried’s work serves as a necessary counterbalance. The reckless expansion of the term fascism to include a wide range of political beliefs distorts public understanding and delegitimizes actual debate. Meanwhile, the glorification of antifascism without historical scrutiny allows radical leftist movements to operate under a moral guise, shielding them from criticism. These trends have serious implications for democratic societies, as they encourage censorship, political persecution, and the justification of extremism in the name of fighting extremism.

By equipping readers with the intellectual tools to recognize these manipulations, Gottfried’s work fosters a more informed and nuanced political consciousness. His careful distinctions between historical fascism and the broad, often misleading applications of the term today allow readers to critically assess the narratives presented by politicians, academics, and the media. Likewise, his dissection of antifascism challenges the prevailing assumption that those who claim to fight fascism are inherently virtuous. Recognizing these complexities is crucial for preserving free speech, rational discourse, and a society that resists the allure of ideological extremism.

To ignore Gottfried’s insights is to risk falling into the very traps he warns against—where historical truth is sacrificed for political expediency, and where rhetoric replaces reasoned debate. At a time when political labels are used as weapons to silence dissent and justify violence, engaging with his work is more than an academic exercise—it is a necessary defense of intellectual integrity and democratic values. Whether one agrees or disagrees with his conclusions, his scholarship demands attention from anyone who values honest political discourse and a clear understanding of the forces shaping modern political movements.