Neoliberalism and Fascism

Abstract

Fascist, semi-fascist, protofascist, or neofascist movements exist in almost every modern society as fringe phenomena. These movements must be distinguished from the general right-wing parties and movements of different hues. The latter would no doubt appear to shade into the former; nonetheless the sui generis character of the former must be underscored. This article explores the characteristics specific to these movements and poses the following questions: under what conditions do these fringe movements come to occupy center stage? What is the class basis for their coming to power? How do we explain the rise of these movements in contemporary times? And how can we visualize, in the current conjuncture, the further journey of these movements in situations where they happen to have actually come to power?