Fascism and Dictatorship: The Third International and the Problem of Fascism

The resurgence of the far right across Europe and the emergence of the alt-right in the US have put the question of fascism urgently back on the agenda. Fascism and Dictatorship, a Marxist study of German and Italian fascism, provides a comprehensive analysis of the movement, distinguishing between fascism as a mass movement and an entrenched machinery of dictatorship. It compares the class components of the counterrevolutionary blocs, discusses the relations between the petty bourgeoisie and big capital, and critiques official Comintern attitudes and policies towards fascism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2019
Publisher: Verso Books

The resurgence of the far right across Europe and the emergence of the alt-right in the US have brought the issue of fascism to the forefront of political discourse. For those seeking to understand these complex political phenomena, there is no better starting point than Fascism and Dictatorship, the seminal Marxist study of German and Italian fascism. This comprehensive work carefully distinguishes between fascism as a mass movement before it seizes power and what it evolves into as an entrenched machinery of dictatorship. It explores the distinct class components of the counterrevolutionary blocs mobilized by fascism in Germany and Italy, analyzes the shifting dynamics between the petty bourgeoisie and big capital in the evolution of fascism, examines the structures of the fascist state as an emergency regime for the defense of capital, and offers a sustained and documented critique of official Comintern attitudes and policies toward fascism in the years following the Versailles settlement.

Fascism and Dictatorship stands as a testament to the power of rigorous scholarship and analytical thinking, showcasing what Marxist political theory can achieve. It provides a wealth of factual evidence and insightful conceptual analysis, serving as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in comprehending the complexities of fascism and its historical implications. By delving into the origins, development, and consequences of fascism, this book offers a comprehensive understanding of one of the most significant political movements of the 20th century.

In conclusion, Fascism and Dictatorship is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of fascism and its impact on world history. Its rigorous scholarship, insightful analysis, and comprehensive approach make it a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in exploring the dark corners of political ideology and its historical consequences.

Weight: 484g
Dimension: 140 x 209 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786635815