Nick Land – The ‘F’ Word (2016)

Summary

This analysis delves into the historical evolution and contemporary implications of fascism. It examines how fascism was defined by both Western and Soviet powers post-WWII, focusing on its economic and political characteristics, including state control of the economy and centralization of authority during wartime. The resurgence of fascism in modern political discourse, particularly in the U.S., is explored, with a critical look at how democracy's inherent tendencies toward tribal mobilization can lead to fascist ideologies. The role of demographic engineering in political radicalization and its impact on social polarization is also highlighted.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fascism has returned to public discourse, especially in the wake of WWII, with both the Soviet and Western blocs shaping its definition to serve their political interests.
• 😀 The Western definition of fascism often overlooks the revolutionary socialist roots of the Italian and German variants of fascism, focusing instead on anti-Semitism and racial ideology.
• 😀 Fascism is closely associated with state control over the economy, particularly during wartime, where state centralization and social mobilization were key features.
• 😀 Fascism is seen as a form of practical socialism, distinguished from communism by its focus on national and tribal particularism, as opposed to universalistic socialism.
• 😀 American fascism, largely consolidated by the New Deal, involved the socialization of the economy, central banking, executive overreach, and mass politics through media.
• 😀 The fascist state justifies itself through perpetual war, creating wars that do not end, such as the Cold War and the War on Terror, which serve as ongoing justifications for its power.
• 😀 Post-WWII, the ideological opponents of fascism were marginalized, and policy goals associated with fascism, like nationalization, became widely accepted without being seen as fascistic.
• 😀 The word 'fascism' has lost its original meaning and is now mostly used as a political slur, losing its historical contours and contributing to the rise of global American fascism.
• 😀 The election of Donald Trump and the rise of the alt-right are seen as a crisis for the dominant political order, challenging the boundaries between mainstream conservatism and fascism.
• 😀 The embrace of demographic engineering as a political strategy, particularly by cultural elites, has contributed to political radicalization and a growing sense of tribalism, which aligns with fascism's illiberal tendencies.

Q & A

What is the central argument regarding the definition of fascism in the script?

The script argues that the definition of fascism, as understood by both Western and Soviet narratives, is flawed and oversimplified. Both sides downplay the revolutionary socialism in fascism’s origins, focusing instead on different aspects that align with their political needs, misrepresenting the true nature of fascism.

How do the Soviets and Western allies define fascism, and why is this problematic?

The Soviets focused on the anti-capitalism of the Axis powers, while the Western allies highlighted the anti-Semitic Aryanism of Nazi Germany. This is problematic because it obscures fascism’s true characteristics, such as its revolutionary socialism and the way it integrates social and economic mobilization under wartime conditions.

What is the essential feature of fascism according to the script?

The essential feature of fascism is the state’s seizure of the economy's commanding heights and the delegation of power to serve a unified, central direction, especially under wartime conditions. This model involves social mobilization under centralized political authority.

How does the script characterize the relationship between fascism and socialism?

Fascism is described as a practical form of socialism, distinguished from communism by its more sophisticated understanding of human nature and incentives. It manages individual and tribal particularities more effectively than universalistic socialism.

What is the script’s view on American fascism?

The script claims that American fascism was fully consolidated by the time World War II began, facilitated by the New Deal. It argues that America’s system of centralized banking, media manipulation, and mass politics created a new post-constitutional order resembling fascism.

How does the script describe the nature of perpetual wars in fascist regimes?

The script states that fascist regimes justify themselves through perpetual wars, which are meant to be unending and provide justification for state power. The Cold War and the War on Terror are examples of such interminable conflicts, with wars on social issues like poverty and drugs also playing a role.

What is the significance of the Trump candidacy in relation to fascism?

The script suggests that Donald Trump's candidacy and the rise of the alt-right bring fascism back into the political conversation. It notes the undeniable fascist imagery in his campaign and links this to the broader trend of fascist elements reappearing in American politics.

How does the script critique the idea that we are all fascists now?

The script critiques Jonah Goldberg’s thesis that we are all fascists now, arguing that while this idea was dismissed in the past, the increasing influence of fascist elements in modern politics requires a reevaluation of this stance.

What role does demographic engineering play in the rise of political radicalization?

The script argues that demographic engineering, particularly the manipulation of population replacement narratives, has been a catalyst for political radicalization. This has contributed to increasing tribal mobilization and the rise of extreme political ideologies.

What does the script say about the dangers of demographic changes and 'white genocide' rhetoric?

The script warns that the rhetoric of 'white genocide' is not just a trivial concern but reflects deeper anxieties about demographic shifts and cultural change. It critiques the dismissive attitude toward these fears, suggesting that they may not be as 'overwrought' as they are portrayed.